Wrap Smelly Food Scraps
Some waste smells more than others and can quickly make the trash can stink, such as banana peels and fish scraps. It’s helpful to wrap those first before throwing them in the trash. You can wrap them in newspaper or place them in a (plastic) bag. For compostable bins, make sure to use bags that are suitable for that purpose. To avoid unnecessary plastic, it’s best to use a bag that has already been used for something else. If you have access to an outdoor trash can or can easily dispose of trash in an underground container, it’s preferable to take the smelly waste outside immediately so you don’t have to deal with it indoors. This also prevents unpleasant insects, like fruit flies, from appearing inside.

Not Too Wet
Let very moist food scraps drain in the sink first, so they don’t add too much moisture to the trash can, which can lead to more odors. It also helps to keep (organic) waste separate, even if it’s not mandatory in your area. This does require an extra bin, but it helps keep the other waste from smelling as quickly. Food scraps spoil much faster than other types of waste.

Well-Sealed
Choose a trash can with a tightly fitting lid, so that no odors can escape when the lid is closed.

Cleaning the Trash Can
Leftover (wet) scraps in the trash can can cause the bin itself to smell even after it’s been emptied. Clean the bin regularly with soapy water and let it sit for a while. Don’t forget to clean the lid as well. After cleaning, let the trash can dry completely before using it again. This keeps it cleaner and helps prevent the waste from molding quickly.