Going Green: Natural Cleaning Products For Your Recycling Bins

Keeping your recycling bins clean is important -- otherwise your bins can attract animals and insects, and generate a not-so-attractive aroma. Food residue from recyclables can accumulate in recycling containers and needs to be periodically cleaned out. When cleaning out your containers, why not utilize natural and green cleaning products? Keeping your receptacles clean and green is much easier than you think.

Maintaining Your Recycling Bins

Keeping your receptacles clean in the first place will help cut down on the amount of cleaning that you will need to do. Before throwing out recyclable waste, give them a quick rinse. There is no need to do a thorough cleaning, but that quick rinse will keep your bins cleaner longer.

You could utilize a liner in your containers to make cleaning easier. However, the liners are not recyclable and waste must be removed from the liner before it can be disposed of. If liners get sent to the plants that process recyclables, they can damage the plant's machines. Trying to use liners without throwing them away might be more hassle than it is worth.

If your containers are stored outside, you will want to use bins that have a drain to let out any accumulated rainwater. You can make a drain yourself very easily by drilling a small hole in the bottom of your receptacles if needed. In both cases, keeping out standing water will keep your recycling bins cleaner.

Green Cleaning Tips For Your Receptacles

It is very easy to use green cleaning products around the home and for your waste containers. In fact, many green cleaners can be made in the home with common household items. Baking soda in particular is an effective cleaner and is ideal for this type of application.

To get your recycling containers clean, sprinkle some baking soda inside to apply a light coating. Moisten the baking soda and then scrub with a rag, wash cloth, or even a floor mop for large jobs. Afterwards, rinse it out with a garden hose and set it on its side. Leave the bin outside in the sun and it will dry in no time.

Green Cleaning Products You Can Make From Household Items

Making your own household cleaners is a great way to embrace green living. Best of all, you probably have all the ingredients that you need in your home already. In addition to baking soda, vinegar is an excellent all purpose cleaner. To make a vinegar-based cleaner for your trash containers and other surfaces, mix one-quarter cup of distilled white vinegar with one quart of hot water. You can keep this solution on hand as well for use at room temperature.

You can also make scented cleaners from natural products if you miss the aroma. You only need to add a single drop of essential oil to a quart of cleaner; you can find oils at most natural food stores. In a pinch, a quick dash of lemon juice will produce the same effect.

These tips and tricks will get your recycling bins clean and you can be green while doing so.

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