As the Australian summer heats up, so does the challenge of managing our Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) bins. With councils nationwide rolling out these green waste initiatives, many of us are embracing the change and doing our part for the environment. However, the warm weather can bring about a less-than-pleasant side effect: the dreaded stench and swarm of flies that can accompany organic waste.

But fear not, fellow eco-conscious Aussies! Lottie Dalziel, the founder of Banish, a marketplace dedicated to helping Australians live more sustainably, has shared a 'really simple' solution to keep those pesky pests at bay and your FOGO bin from becoming a neighbourhood nuisance.

The problem with FOGO bins, particularly during the warmer months, is that they can become breeding grounds for flies and other insects. As Lottie points out, 'If you’ve got something sitting there on the kitchen bench, it’s going to be fermenting away. It’s going to attract those pesky little flies that nobody wants.'

Lottie Dalziel advised managing FOGO bins to prevent pests, suggesting frequent emptying and freezing waste. Credit: Twitter

So, what's the trick to keeping your FOGO bin fresh and fly-free? Lottie suggests a two-pronged approach: 'Firstly, empty your bin as much as possible.' She advocates for using smaller FOGO bins, which encourages more frequent emptying and reduces the time waste sits around.

The second tip is a game-changer: 'I actually put mine in the freezer,' Lottie reveals. By storing your organic waste in the freezer until bin day, you eliminate the odours and mess on your countertop, and most importantly, you stop flies in their tracks. No smell, no mess, no flies – it's a win-win!

But what about those fruit flies that seem to appear out of nowhere? Lottie warns, 'Where there is one, there is more.' To combat these, she recommends using a fly net or basket over your fruit bowl to prevent them from laying eggs. For the more stubborn flies, Lottie has a nifty trick up her sleeve: 'Cut a lemon in half and stick cloves into the half lemon. The smell is funky, and the flies don’t enjoy it.'

Insect ecologist Emeritus Professor Myron Zalucki has previously highlighted the importance of keeping bins clean and sealed to prevent disease spread by insects like flies. A study in BMC Public Health also underscores the potential health risks, noting that house flies can carry pathogens that cause serious infections.

Despite some controversy and complaints about maggots and insufficient space in general waste bins, the introduction of FOGO bins is seen as an 'exciting' step forward by many, including Lottie. She notes that in her community, people are eager for the change and its positive environmental impact.

One last piece of advice from Lottie concerns the bags, or caddy liners, provided with compost bins. She urges Australians to ensure they are using 'home compostable' bags, as opposed to those only suitable for industrial composting. This distinction is crucial for the proper breakdown of the bags and your organic waste.

Key Takeaways

• Lottie Dalziel offers advice on managing FOGO bins to prevent pests, suggesting frequent emptying and freezing waste.
• In warm weather, pests like fruit flies challenge FOGO bin maintenance.
• Emeritus Professor Myron Zalucki emphasises the importance of cleaning and sealing bins properly to prevent disease spread by flies.
• Councils' introduction of FOGO bins is seen as an exciting step for waste management despite some controversies.

So, there you have it, a simple yet effective way to manage your FOGO bins during the hot Aussie summer. By following these tips, you can contribute to a greener Australia without the headache of a smelly, fly-infested bin. Let's keep the conversation going and keep our communities clean and sustainable!

 

[CliffE]

Once a month I pressure wash both bins inside and out.