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how can I clean my yard waste container?

The people in my apartment building and I have been really good about putting almost all food scraps and food soiled paper products in our yard waste bin for composting (yay us!) the only problem with this is now our yard waste container smells rotten vegetables and coffee grounds. I'm worried that just hosing it out won't effectively clean it but I don't want to put bleach or soap in it and contaminate our compost. What should I do?

Little Red Ryan Hood asked in House & Home about 1 year ago | Report

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  • Avatar_default
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    I do a thorough hosing out of mine, and then put in some water and dish soap to actually clean it. If you use a natural dish soap like Lifetree or Seventh Generation, or some Dr. Bronner's (Most Entertaining Label Ever!), it won't contaminate the compost. Don't use any soaps that have anti-bacterial additives.

    Patti answered in House & Home about 1 year ago | Report
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  • Finn3goof_small
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    I'm pretty sure that once a year you can ask the city to swap out your container for free. Call 684-3000 to find out.

    Tom answered in House & Home about 1 year ago | Report
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  • Ozomahtli_small
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    Every couple of months I scrape the layer of goo from the bottom with a shovel. It usually sticks together pretty well and comes off in one solid chunk. The next time it's emptied, the nasty nugget spills right out. Soon after, the container dries out a bit and the smell disappears. I've never had to hose it out.

    Mahtli69 answered in House & Home about 1 year ago | Report
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