Disposing of waste correctly is crucial to maintaining a clean environment around us. Knowing when to dispose and how to dispose of the garbage can help prevent unpleasant experiences at the disposing time. This article guides about the methods to deal with such unpleasant conditions when the garbage can is nearly full, such as overflowing cans, unpleasant odors, pests and maggots, etc.
Stepwise Procedure to Follow if the Garbage Can is Nearly Full
Waste management at home is an important step because homes are the major source of waste production. Following these steps is not a rule, but it ensures that waste disposal is executed in a well-thought-out and structured way. Starting from segregation to safe disposal to handling the overflows and proper washing of the leftover scraps inside the dustbin, this whole procedure forms the backbone of waste management initiatives at a larger level.
Step 1: Segregation of Wastes Before Actual Disposal
Segregation of wastes before disposal is an effective step in garbage management. Segregate the wastes into recyclables, compostables, and general wastes. This segregation ensures that less waste goes into landfills, thereby ensuring that less waste gets piled up, which could otherwise lead to other problems. In addition, this segregation also ensures that recyclables are responsibly sent to the appropriate recycling facilities for processing. The same applies to compostable materials as well.
Always check for local recycling programs and local authorities and be aware of what can be recycled or added to compost. Many communities provide specific guidelines on how to sort materials and what can go in each type of container.
Step 2: Managing a Nearly Full Garbage Can
When a garbage can is nearly full, it is time to act upon it. Missing an action at this time and waiting for it to get full will only make it unmanageable. The trash bags must be secured tightly using a double knot. A double knot ensures that food scraps are not loosely thrown into the garbage cans. Loose food particles may attract pests, insects, rodents, flies, or even bigger animals who might be foraging for food! Keeping the garbage bag loose inside the cans results in unpleasant odors. It also leads to the growth of the maggots as they breed and multiply in rotten matter.
Step 3: Handling Excess Waste Around the Dumpster
Sometimes, the trash can get filled faster. This doesn’t mean that there was any inadequate planning or any improper scheduling on your part. It is just that it got filled faster - simple. In such situations, always avoid stacking garbage bags or open garbage around the container! This stacking leads to an unpleasant mess and might lead to fines or penalties. In some cases, it could lead to property damage. The best approach is to contact the trash service provider and request a pickup or even ask for an additional (paid) service.
In this scenario, think of some alternate place to temporarily store this extra waste until the time the next pickup is scheduled for your area.
Step 4: Preventing Overflows
A wise solution for prevention is to regularly assess the amount of waste produced within a household and decide the size of the garbage can accordingly. Sorting and donating reusable items or reselling the items can bring significant change in the excessive amount of waste generated.
An effective strategy is to have separate bins for recyclable and compostable wastes. This will reduce the volume of waste and ensure that the cans do not become overly full suddenly.
Step 5: Dealing With Pests and Cleaning After Disposal
Dealing with pests, rodents, and insects is one of the potential issues while ensuring proper garbage disposal. They populate around garbage cans by foraging on garbage leftovers if not washed and done away with. Their growth magnifies with time inside the garbage cans. Such a scenario leads to serious health issues for the residents. Giving a pressure wash or using a cleaning solution disinfects these containers before the next round of usage. This also removes lingering odors, if any. Cleaning the trash with bleach or insecticides can help eliminate them.
By following these simple steps and staying organized, managing a nearly full garbage can can become a hassle-free task.
