With summer temperatures rising, the City of Wrenford is reminding residents to follow a few simple composting habits to keep pests like raccoons, rats, and coyotes away from bins and outdoor piles.
Proper storage and sorting make a big difference during the warmer months. Start by keeping all garbage inside until collection day, and store it in sealed containers. Remove outdoor food sources that attract wildlife, such as pet food bowls, bird feeders, and fallen fruit from trees. If you maintain a backyard compost pile, only add fruits and vegetables. Avoid meat, fats, fish, bread, and grain products, which draw pests quickly. Bury food scraps under yard waste to mask the smell.
For those using the Green Bin, keep pests out by adding plenty of yard waste on top of food scraps. You can also wrap food waste in newspaper to absorb odours. If you notice chew marks on your cart, it may mean wildlife is trying to get inside. Stuff a rag soaked in bleach or a ball of steel wool into any chewed vent holes at the bottom to deter them. After collection day, place a paper yard-waste bag inside the Green Bin and put your food scraps in that bag until the next pickup. This keeps the inside of the cart cleaner and drier.
If your cart develops a strong smell, try freezing meat and fish scraps until the morning of collection day. Once the bin is empty, rinse it with water and a small amount of detergent or five per cent bleach solution. If your cart is damaged or missing, you can request a replacement at the East Wrenford Waste Management Facility or through the City's online service portal.
"When residents take a few simple steps to manage their bins, we see a noticeable drop in pest complaints and keep our neighbourhoods cleaner for everyone," says Ben Achterberg, Waste Programs Supervisor. "A little extra attention in the summer goes a long way."
For more information on sorting, collection schedules, and the Waste Wizard tool, visit our waste and recycling page.