Whether at home or your business, you’ve probably been on the hunt for a new garbage can before. Sometimes, our old garbage bins just don’t cut it anymore. This can be for a variety of reasons. For instance, they may break down or start to lose their quality, or they may just stink. This guide will answer the question, “How often should you replace your trash cans?” It’ll also cover how you can get the most use out of them in the future.
When To Replace Your Bin
Like anything else, garbage cans don’t last forever. At some point, you will need a replacement bin. This can happen for a couple of reasons, whether your can becomes worn out or begins to lose its quality. These examples below are some of the most common times when home and business owners need to replace their trash receptacles.
When It Is Damaged
The most common reason people replace their trash bins is that they have sustained some form of damage. Not all materials will last forever, and some will break down faster than others with repeated wear and tear. Residential trash cans have designs that can withstand the wear and tear that comes with collecting waste every week, but household bins won’t be as sturdy. If you notice a crack, hole, or any other damage, it may be time for a replacement.
When It Starts To Smell
Another common cause of homeowners replacing their current trash cans is the smell they can get. Over time, your trash bin will start to absorb the unpleasant odors from the garbage it collects. Whether you use a garbage can liner or not, your bin will begin to have odors eventually. Therefore, some homeowners choose scented or odor-neutralizing trash bags, although these options can be on the pricier side.
How To Expand the Lifetime of Your Trash Can
You won’t always have to replace your trash can. Sometimes, you can clean it and preserve it to get more use out of it. Keep reading for ways that you can make your quality garbage can investment last longer.
Use Trash Bags
Using disposable trash bags to line your garbage can will significantly increase the use you get out of it. If you don’t utilize bags, you will need to clean your garbage bin much more often. Ideally, you should do this after every time you empty it. This is important for sanitary reasons and prevents lingering odors from wafting around your home. Cleaning your bin every time you empty it is inconvenient and unpleasant. But if you ignore it, your bin will be unsanitary. Your bin will also start to absorb odors from the food and waste you dispose of if you toss your trash in without a liner. After the smells have infused themselves with it, you will want to replace it.
Choose Your Bin Wisely
As established above, the type of trash can you choose to invest in has a lot to do with how much use you will get out of it. Average plastic trash cans—even those you use with liners—can start to absorb food and other garbage odors after a while. Choose a model that will last, such as one made of sturdy material. Look for ones that have foot pedals to open them as well. Metal garbage cans are popular options because they hold onto fewer food odors and look better in most spaces.
Be Strategic About Placement
Depending on where you store your garbage can, the space around it can have a lot to do with its upkeep. If you place your bin in an enclosed area, such as under the sink, it may trap food odors more quickly because it’s in a small, enclosed space. More ventilated areas like the rest of your kitchen or out in the garage won’t trap food odors as quickly. However, if you store your garbage can in the garage, make sure you protect it from the many pests and critters that might try to invade for a snack. Choose a covered garbage can for outdoor use.
Clean Your Bin Regularly
Even if you don’t store your waste products directly in the trash bin, you should still get into the habit of cleaning your garbage can occasionally. When using trash can liners, tears and spills can sometimes happen. This can leave a mess in your trash can (sometimes without you realizing it). Even replacing the liners can make a mess. On top of this, bacteria can transfer from your trash bags to the bin without you noticing, too. Therefore, you should make it a habit to clean and sanitize your garbage bins when you can. That way, there won’t be any hidden areas of contamination.
How Often Should You Clean Your Trash Can?
You might be asking, “How often should I clean my bin?” after hearing this. Ideally, monthly is a good schedule to shoot for. If this is inconvenient, try to shoot for quarterly cleanings during the year at a minimum. This will help cut down on bacteria growth inside your bin. Further, it’ll prevent the bacteria from spreading throughout your house when you touch or transport the bin. Cleaning your garbage cans will give you extra peace of mind about the cleanliness of your home.
Now that you know how often you should replace your trash cans, you can apply this knowledge to your home or business. By freshening up your space with a new garbage can, you can improve the health of your home and family (and maybe get to the bottom of some nasty odor problems, too). Plus, you now know all the best ways to clean it and make it last for years. The correct garbage can is worth the investment, so make sure to take care of it!
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