With San Diego’s city-wide food waste collection program in full swing, many households are adjusting to the new composting guidelines. While diverting food scraps from landfills is a big win for the planet, one common complaint from residents is the mess that can come with it—odors, leaks, and flies can make the process frustrating.
Fortunately, there are a few simple, effective ways to keep your kitchen clean and odor-free while still participating in the city’s organics recycling program.
Here are five practical tips to reduce the mess in your food waste bin:
1. Keep Your Bin Dry with Layering
Moisture is one of the biggest culprits behind smelly, leaky compost bins. A helpful hack is to layer dry materials—like used paper towels, newspaper, or brown paper bags—between food scraps. These materials absorb excess liquid and help reduce odor.
This simple habit not only makes cleanup easier, but it also speeds up the composting process by creating better airflow.
2. Freeze Food Scraps Until Collection Day
If you have space in your freezer, storing food waste in a container or bag in the freezer is a game-changer. This stops decomposition in its tracks, eliminating smells and keeping pests away.
Just transfer the frozen scraps to your compost bin on pickup day. It’s especially handy for meat, dairy, and other high-odor items allowed under San Diego’s organics recycling program.
3. Use a Breathable, Leak-Resistant Liner
One of the best investments you can make for a cleaner compost bin is a quality liner. Paper liners are a smart choice since they’re compostable and avoid the environmental issues of plastic bags.
Look for a liner that’s:
- 100% compostable
- Leak-resistant to prevent soggy bins
- Tear-resistant to avoid spills
- Ventilated to reduce odor build-up
For example, EcoToss Bags provides paper liners specifically designed for food waste collection in San Diego. They're built to handle kitchen scraps without the usual mess and are fully compliant with the city’s program.
4. Empty Your Bin Frequently
Even with the best liner, letting food scraps sit for too long can lead to unwanted smells and bin slime. Try to empty your kitchen compost bin every 1–2 days, especially during warm weather.
If that’s not feasible, keep the bin in a cooler, shaded area and be diligent about keeping it closed.
5. Clean Your Bin Regularly
Don’t forget to give your bin a quick rinse or wipe-down between uses. Use natural cleaners like vinegar and baking soda to neutralize odors without introducing harsh chemicals.
Some people also like to sprinkle baking soda at the bottom of the bin to help absorb smells and liquids.
Composting Without the Mess Is Possible
Transitioning to food waste recycling doesn’t have to mean dealing with a sticky, smelly bin. With just a few small changes—like keeping things dry, using the freezer trick, and choosing the right liner—you can keep your kitchen clean and continue doing your part for the environment.
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly liner that’s tough on leaks but easy on the planet, EcoToss Bags has you covered. Designed for San Diego’s food waste program, our paper bags make composting cleaner, simpler, and more sustainable.
