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City of Hamilton – Public Works
Helpful Tips
Filling your mini bin at mealtimes
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When preparing meals, put food scraps and waste from the What Goes In list in your mini bin. Make sure you remove all items from their packaging before throwing them in.
After mealtime, all you have to do is scrape the leftovers from your plate into your mini bin. If you are using paper plates, throw them in too! NO styrofoam plates - they cannot be composted in the Green Cart Program.
When filling your mini bin with kitchen waste, don't forget other items in your house that can be composted. Add items such as dryer lint, facial tissue, microwave popcorn bags, popsicle sticks and all the other things found on the What Goes In list. |
Mini bin to green cart transfer
Once your mini bin is full, make sure the lid is latched and won't open on the way to your green gart. Add a few sheets of newspaper to your green cart or line it with a paper leaf and yard waste bag to help soak up the juices from your mini bin. Empty the contents directly into your green cart.
Remember: NO PLASTIC, GLASS OR METAL!
Inside your house, rinse your mini bin with warm water and a mild detergent. Line it with newspaper and repeat the process.
Whether it's full or not, place your green cart at the curb in front of your home by 7:00am on your regularly scheduled waste collection day. View here to find out when your collection day is.
Storage
The best idea for your mini bin is to switch it with your kitchen garbage pail. You'll be surprised at how much less garbage you will have. Almost half of household waste is organic, so it's convenient to have your mini bin handy. Find a new spot for your garbage pail so that you have to think before you throw something away - ask yourself, "Can this be composted?"
Your green cart should be stored in a location that is convenient. Avoid storing it in direct sunlight. Good storage spots include inside or along the side of your garage or outside your home, possibly your back yard. You can even switch the location of your garbage can with your green cart. Now that you have removed the organic material from your garbage can, it can sit outside untouched by animals.
Pests
Your mini bin and green cart are designed to be pest-resistant with tight-fitting lids. Closed properly, they are at least as secure as a regular garbage can or bag.
Where you place your green cart is also an important factor in keeping animals out. The best places are in your garage or shed, or outside away from decks, stairs, walls or railings so that animals do not have any leverage to help them get in. Using a bungee cord tied over the lid (from the lips on each side of the cart) or a heavy object (brick or large rock) on the top of your green cart will also help. Remember, bungee cords or any objects on top of your green cart MUST be removed before collection. Also, sprinkling a strong smelling biodegradable repellent such as vinegar or detergent on your cart will help keep pests away.
Cleaning
The best way to keep your mini bin and green cart clean is by lining them with newspaper or other paper products such as a paper bag or paper leaf and yard waste bag to keep waste from sticking to the sides.
Rinse your mini bin daily and your green cart weekly with a mild biodegradable detergent and warm water. A great idea for cleaning your green cart is to use a broom to reach the bottom.
Put your green cart at the curb every week - even if it's not full. |
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Odour
Odour is often caused by too much moisture. There are many ways to keep moisture (and odours) to a minimum. Alternate layers of food waste with layers of soiled paper towels, napkins, newspaper or leaves in your mini bin and green cart. Wrap food waste with newspaper (two or three sheets work well).
Line your mini bin or green cart with newspaper or other paper products (such as empty sugar / flour bags, or cereal / cracker boxes). Freeze meat and fish scraps until your collection day. Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda, powdered laundry detergent (without bleach) or vinegar in your mini bin or green cart.
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Contact Us
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