Your shopping cart is empty
SUMMER, SMELLS & BARBECUE WASTE: HOW TO KEEP YOUR BIN FRESH DURING WARM DAYS
Balmy summer evenings and the smell of a sizzling barbecue go hand in hand. Laughter, great food with friends, kids playing in the grass, a good glass of wine — pure summer joy. But once the last skewer is gone and your guests have headed home, there’s one thing left behind that you’d rather forget: the waste. Especially in summer, that waste can quickly become a source of unpleasant odors, particularly if your bin is full and sitting in a warm kitchen.
WHY DOES YOUR BIN SMELL MORE IN SUMMER?
As the temperature rises, bacteria come alive. Food scraps like meat, fish, and sauces break down much faster than in winter and quickly produce sour, rotten odors. After a barbecue, the bin is often filled with leftovers that, in the heat, decompose in no time. Meat scraps that didn’t make it into the fridge, fruit that softens too fast, greasy packaging that turns sticky — all of it creates the perfect storm for bad smells. And no matter how tightly you close the lid, somehow the odor finds its way out.
COMMON BARBECUE WASTE (AND HOW TO DEAL WITH IT)
After a successful barbecue, your bin is likely to be filled with a mix of bones, leftover marinades, bits of grilled vegetables, disposable plates, foil covered in fat, used napkins, and maybe a half-eaten corn cob no one touched. Not all of it belongs in the same bin, and very little of it stays fresh-smelling for long. If that waste sits in a warm kitchen or, worse, in the sun for a few hours or more, the result becomes noticeable fast. The smell seeps into your kitchen, lingers in fabrics, and can even attract fruit flies.
6 WAYS TO KEEP YOUR BIN FRESH IN SUMMER
Luckily, there’s a lot you can do to prevent the worst of it. It starts with choosing the right bin — for instance, a high-quality waste bin from EKO. In summer, a tightly sealed lid is essential. EKO bins are designed with built-in odor filters and feature a soft-close lid that shuts automatically, keeping odors securely inside. You can go one step further by adding a natural deodorizer, like a fragrance pod that clips into the lid. Regular cleaning also goes a long way. A quick rinse with hot water and a splash of vinegar not only keeps smells at bay but also prevents sticky residue from building up inside the bin.Meat scraps should ideally be tossed immediately into a separate, sealed bag. With EKO’s recycling bins, that’s a breeze. These bins come with multiple inner liners, making waste separation easy and hygienic. It’s also smart to avoid placing your bin in direct sunlight or near a heat source, since this only accelerates the decomposition process and worsens the smell.
THE RIGHT BIN MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE
What many people forget is just how big the difference can be between a basic bin and a thoughtfully designed model. It’s not only about odor control — it’s about convenience and style too. If you regularly host guests or eat outdoors, you’ll want a bin that not only works efficiently but also looks good. Consider a bin with multiple compartments so you can separate food scraps from packaging right away, or go for a touch-free sensor bin that helps you keep your hands clean while cooking. In summer, it’s all about comfort, and a bin that supports a clean, fresh atmosphere is more than just a nice-to-have.
WRAPPING UP
Summer is meant to be enjoyed, not spent worrying about smells or fruit flies. With a little extra care and the right bin, you can keep your kitchen fresh and your mood sunny, even after the most delicious barbecue. And when your bin is both functional and beautiful, it becomes a stylish addition to your home. Because practical can be beautiful, especially in summer.