Many Australians search for ways to keep their wheelie bins fresh, hoping to avoid unpleasant odours and the hassle of cleaning.

One renter believed she had found an easy fix, but experts now caution that this popular hack may have unintended consequences.

What seemed like a simple solution is now raising concerns, with warnings that it could create more problems than it solves.


Esther's approach involved using council-sized plastic wheelie bin liners, which are available at Coles for $6.50 a pack of 10.

At just 65 cents per week, this seemingly cost-effective method promised to keep her pristine and free from the dreaded stench.

The Multix Council Bin Liners, also sold at Woolworths and other retailers, are marketed as the 'ideal way to protect and store your important household items.'


Despite the initial enthusiasm, waste management company Veolia has given this bin liner hack a firm 'thumbs down.'

They argue that such liners are 'not necessary' and that there are better ways to keep bins clean. A spokesperson from Veolia said.

'We love a good bin hack, but sadly, we’ll have to hose this one down, which is actually a better solution.'


Esther's struggle with her bin began when she moved into a new rental property and found the bins in a less-than-desirable state.

With no other place to dispose of her dog's waste, the red bin quickly became a source of foul odours.

'It got to the point where there was a thick layer of unmentionable stuck to the bottom of the bin,' Esther recounted.

After reaching her limit, she cleaned the bin with an outdoor broom, hose, and disinfectant, restoring it to a clean and shiny condition.

Following her cleaning ordeal, Esther received suggestions to use bin liners to prevent future messes.

Initially, she found that the liners would slip into the bin when rubbish was added, but she overcame this by securing the liners with pegs.


Esther was pleased with the results, stating, 'Now the bin is constantly clean, and it doesn’t smell anymore, and I won’t have to go through a deep clean process when we move out of this rental.'

However, Veolia advised giving bins a 'quick rinse with a hose after each pick-up.'

They emphasise that bin liners contribute to the amount of plastic waste going to landfills and are not needed for the purpose for which they are often used.

'Bins house waste and, in the case of your red-lidded one, the reality is that it will get messy occasionally. But kerbside bins are designed to cope with this; they will catch any leaks from split bags, and their lids contain odour,' the spokesperson explained.

Furthermore, Veolia warns that using bin liners, plastic bags in recycling bins, and FOGO (Food Organics Garden Organics) bins is an 'absolute no-no.'

Such practices can contaminate the load, undermining the recycling process and the benefits of organic waste collection.


The takeaway from this is clear: while reaching for a quick fix like a bin liner may be tempting, it's essential to consider waste management experts' environmental impact and advice.

A simple rinse after collection can go a long way in maintaining a clean bin without contributing to plastic waste.

It's a small step that keeps your bin fresh and supports sustainable waste practices.

For those who have discovered their tricks for keeping wheelie bins clean or have thoughts on the bin liner debate, we encourage you to share your stories and insights.

Your experiences could help others in our community find the best approach to this common household challenge.

And remember, when it comes to managing waste, sometimes the most straightforward solutions are the most effective and environmentally friendly.


Are bin liners worth it, or do they cause more harm than good? What’s your best trick for keeping bins clean without plastic liners? Should councils offer better ways to keep bins clean? Let us know in the comments below.