Brown bin: Tips and tricks to avoid bad smells and unwanted animals

Last updated August 13, 2026
Reading time: 1 min
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Does your brown bin smell bad? Does it attract fruit flies and wildlife like squirrels and raccoons? Find out how to use it properly and avoid these inconveniences.

How to avoid odours 

  • Every few days or when it’s full, transfer your mini-bin to the brown bin.
  • Make a habit of placing the brown bin in front of your home for weekly collection, even if it is not full. 
  • Store highly perishable items like meat and fish in a lidded plastic container in the freezer. 
  • Place newsprint or brown paper in the bottom of your countertop bin and brown bin to absorb excess liquid. 
  • Sprinkle some baking soda or put a charcoal briquette on waste that starts to smell bad. 
  • Wrap highly perishable foods, such as meat and fish, in small quantities with paper. Alternate wet materials with dry materials. 
  • Always close the lids of your countertop bin and brown bin. If your bin is damaged, visit the “Get your brown bin repaired” page. 
  • Avoid leaving your bins in the sun or near a heat source.
Store food waste in the freezer.
  • Conserver les résidus alimentaires au congélateur

How to clean the bin

Clean your bins regularly with eco-friendly soap, baking soda or vinegar.

Clean your bin regularly with vinegar.
  • Nettoyer régulièrement son bac avec du vinaigre

How to keep insects and small animals away

  • To keep fruit flies away from your countertop bin, cut a cork lengthwise and place it on the lid. 
  • To keep rodents away, coat the rim of the lid of the brown bin with a camphor cough ointment (e.g. Vicks VapoRub or Tiger Balm). 
  • Place a heavy object on the lid of your brown bin. 
  • Close the lid with an elastic hook strap. On the day of collection, remember to remove the strap so the collector can empty your bin.
  • Bac brun de rue

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