With summer temperatures rising, the City of Wrenford is reminding residents that proper waste sorting is the best defence against raccoons, rodents, and flies. Hot weather speeds up decomposition, which means food scraps in green carts and backyard piles can quickly attract pests. Here is how you can keep your bins clean and your neighbourhood pest-free.
Tips for your green cart
- Always push the lid down until it clicks. A secure latch stops animals from tearing through.
- Line the bottom of the cart with a paper yard-waste bag or shredded newspaper before collection day. This absorbs liquids and cuts down on odours.
- Keep a bag of sawdust or dry leaves nearby. Cover every load of food scraps with a layer of yard waste before closing the lid.
- Do not put meat, dairy, oils, or pet waste in the green cart. These items belong in the garbage or a well-managed backyard pile.
- Rinse your cart with a hose and a little dish soap after collection day. A clean cart stays fresher longer.
Tips for backyard compost piles
- Keep your compost bin at least two metres away from your fence line to discourage pests from nesting near your home.
- Turn your pile every week or two. Regular mixing speeds up breakdown and reduces smells.
- Stick to fruits, vegetables, and garden trimmings. Avoid fats, cooked foods, and pet waste in backyard piles.
- Keep fallen apples and berries picked up from your lawn, as they can draw rodents to your yard.
"When the weather warms up, pests smell food in the carts," says Ben Achterberg, Waste Programs Supervisor. "A simple layer of yard waste on top of your scraps makes a big difference in keeping our neighbourhoods clean and green."
If you notice chew marks on the vent holes of your green cart, or if the lid will not stay closed, contact the City so we can send a replacement before pests get inside. You can also pick up free paper yard-waste bags at the Northgate Drop-off Depot or order replacements online.
For a full list of what you can and cannot compost, visit the Green bin and organics collection page. If you have questions about your waste account, call 519-555-0100 or visit the Garbage & Recycling section.