Oct 9th, 2026

Tips to keep your Green Bin odour-free 

If your community has a green bin program, we have put together some tips and tricks. 

Seven tips to keep your bin odour-free 

1. Rinse your bin with a mild detergent 

2. Line the bin with a yard waste bag or old newspapers 

3. Always lock the lid of the bin to keep animals out. 

4. Put cooking grease and oil in old cracker or cookie boxes before putting them in the green bin.  

5. Wrap food waste tightly in newspaper to prevent flies. 

6. Keep meat and fish scraps in the freezer until collection day. 

7. Set out your green bin every week for collection, even when it’s not full. 

If you are unsure about what to put in the green bin, visit the City of Ottawa’s green bin and yard waste page at: https://ottawa.ca/en/garbage-and-recycling/green-bin-and-leaf-and-yard-waste#what-goes-your-green-bin