Birmingham City Council is rolling out a new waste service that includes indoor and outdoor food caddies, but some residents in North Birmingham and Sutton Coldfield have already reported maggot infestations. One resident, who contacted BirminghamLive, described the new bins as “maggot bins” and called the situation a “major problem”.
The resident said: “A week ago we had the generally unwanted new recycling bins delivered and only really started to put food in the food bin a few days ago. It’s already full of maggots and talking with neighbours their bins are the same.” They added: “This must be a health hazard surely and not just for the households but what about the poor collection operatives and then where all this waste goes too!!”
Why maggots appear in food bins
Maggots appear when flies lay eggs on rotting food or waste. If just one fly gets into a bin, feeds on the waste, and lays eggs, the eggs can hatch into many maggots. The average female fly lays around 1,000 eggs in its lifetime, so an infestation can develop quickly.
Bin experts from BusinessWaste.co.uk have shared five easy tips to stop maggots from appearing and to remove them if they do.
Prevention and cleaning tips
The first tip is prevention. Keeping bins as clean as possible before warm weather is the simplest solution. Use hot water and a strong disinfectant or bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water), scrub the bin’s interior and lid thoroughly, focusing on corners and crevices, then rinse well and let the bin dry completely before using it again. Repeat regularly.
If maggots are already present, pouring boiling water over them will kill them instantly. Afterward, dispose of the dead maggots and sanitise the bin with hot water and disinfectant. Other solutions include vinegar and baking soda, or essential oil sprays.
Sealing food waste and using repellents
Maggots are attracted to food waste, especially in summer heat when it rots quickly. Ideally, food waste should be composted where possible. If not, place food waste in the food waste caddy using the provided liner, and make sure the liner is securely closed before emptying it into the outside bin. For meat, fish, dairy, and rotting fruit, use two bags instead of one to reduce the risk of leaks.
Insect repellent powders or diatomaceous earth can be sprinkled around the rim and base of the bin. Diatomaceous earth kills maggots by dehydrating them. Reapply after cleaning or every few days during hot weather.
Cool storage and final advice
Keeping the bin in a cool, shaded area, such as a garage, shed, or under a shaded overhang, slows maggot growth and reduces bad smells. BusinessWaste.co.uk notes that maggots are quite prevalent in summer due to heat, but applying a couple of these tips should be enough to prevent pests from becoming a problem.
