How to Deodorize a Dumpster or Trash Can in 3 Easy Steps

Sometimes, cleaning dumpsters and trash cans isn’t enough to keep your workplace odor-free. Even with a freshly rinsed plastic dumpster, bacteria and decomposing organic matter can stick around and create stubborn and unpleasant smells. That leads to poor air quality, indoors or out, which can have a real impact on worker comfort — and productivity. It’s no fun to work in a facility that smells like a landfill, and when your waste receptacles start to offend employee noses, it’s time to escalate cleaning protocols. 

We’ve discussed safe, efficient ways to clean dumpsters and bins. But how do you keep your waste stream fresh and inoffensive between washes? The answer is dumpster deodorizer. Here’s how to deodorize a dumpster, as well as smaller waste receptacles, to improve air quality and worker experiences across your entire facility.

Looking for a dumpster deodorizer that neutralizes odors and absorbs liquids at once? Try the WYK Scented Deodorizing Sorbent from Solus Group.

1. Start with a clean dumpster.

If it’s been a while since you’ve rinsed your waste receptacles, it’s probably time. Even for indoor trash cans and dumpsters, it’s best to complete this task outside, where spray and runoff are easier to handle. Use a bin tipper like the Bin Blaster (BB1000) to lift and tilt dumpsters of up to 290 gallons and spray it out with a pressure nozzle or even a power washer. A drip tray and debris bucket catch overflow, and you can easily reach corners and seams where waste and bacteria build up.

Once your dumpster is clean, however, you’ll still need to apply a deodorizer to keep offensive odors from building over time — and that requires an element of moisture management.

2. Air-dry clean waste receptacles.

The bacteria and rot that cause most waste odors tend to thrive in wetter environments. Before you return your waste receptacles to use — or apply deodorizing sorbents, which we’ll cover in the next section — it’s helpful to let them dry thoroughly. Of course, that could take up to 24 hours or even longer, depending on atmospheric conditions. That’s why the best practice is to institute a rotating cleaning schedule, ensuring you have enough dumpsters and trash cans to support day-to-day waste streams while washing them all regularly.

3. Apply a deodorizing sorbent.

Even if you start with a clean, dry dumpster, moisture builds with use (or rain, for outdoor installations). That can speed the growth of unpleasant scents. The solution is a product that both absorbs moisture and controls odors — a Scented Deodorizing Sorbent from Solus Group. Small granules of vegetable and cellulose fiber absorb liquids up to eight times their own weight. The material is stain-free, and it also collects dust and small particles when swept. These granules neutralize odors wherever they arise; choose from a subtle cherry or wintergreen scent for an additional element of odor-masking.

Scented Deodorizing Sorbents are available in flip-top shakers, ideal for trash cans and smaller receptacles. For larger dumpsters, choose the bulk 5.3 gallon pail of sorbent. A little goes a long way; simply cover the floor of the dumpster or trash can in a light dusting of Scented Deodorizing Sorbent for long-lasting odor control, indoors or out.

When it’s time to start the cleaning process over, the Bin Blaster’s debris bucket will collect used sorbent granules, which are suitable for disposal in municipal landfills. Repeat these steps on a monthly or quarterly basis to keep facilities fresh, regardless of the type or volume of waste you generate. To learn more about Scented Deodorizing Sorbent and other absorbent products, contact a Solus Group sales representative at 314-696-0200.