Can you have compost without rank smells and rodents?

Yes, you can! But, with summer just around the corner, warmer weather brings more than just sunshine—it can also mean more pests and ripe smells around food scraps. But don’t worry, whether you’re sorting food scraps for kerbside collection or composting at home, you can prevent these problems. Here are our best tips for achieving compost without rank smells and rodents, while making the most of your compostables.

Keep kitchen scraps cool & dry; compost warm & moist for odour-free composting

Take out your kitchen food scraps regularly so that your indoor container stays relatively dry and odourless. Your kitchen caddy should be in a cool, dry location (not a sunny windowsill!).  On the other hand, once your scraps have left the house and hit the compost pile, you want to promote decomposition so moisture and warmth is necessary.

Add a light sprinkle of baking soda to control compost smells

We all know that baking soda is a great natural deodoriser…but did you know you can use it to clean out your bins—or even add it to your food scraps pile to absorb and neutralise smells? Simply sprinkle on and mix in (but don’t add too much baking soda to your compost, as you don’t want to disrupt the balance of microbes or harm beneficial bacteria).

Using natural deodorisers like baking soda supports composting without rank smells or pests.

Use compostable liners for cleaner, pest-free handling

If you’re using a kitchen caddy or any food scraps container, lining it with compostable bin liners—like Ecopack compostable liners—helps make the process a lot cleaner and more convenient. Ecopack bags are made with GMO-free cornstarch and will break down safely in compost along with your food scraps. Don’t forget to tie the top.

Turn soaked banana skins into natural fertiliser and pest-free compost material

Banana peels contain essential nutrients for plant growth, like magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium. Roughly chop your banana skins and place them in a large jar or container. Covered with hot water, seal them up, and leave for a few days. Use the liquid to feed your plants then toss the banana peels in your compost. Because the peels have already been soaked any fruit flies and their eggs (which love banana skins) should be long gone.

Chill scraps until you’re ready to empty

If you’re not ready to take out the scraps straight away, pop them in the fridge or freezer. An ice cream container with a lid or a compostable resealable storage bag is a perfect size for this. Freezing scraps helps keep odours in check until you’re ready to dispose of them.

Empty, wash and dry regularly

If your kitchen is getting a bit smelly, empty your kitchen caddy more often into your municipal food scraps collection bin (and make sure the lid is secured tightly to keep pests out) or compost pile. Clean your caddy and bin regularly with a bit of dishwashing liquid or antibacterial spray to keep things fresh. And make sure to dry them thoroughly before putting a new compostable bin bag in.

Try a drop of tea tree oil

If you’re getting fruit flies or ants try adding a drop of tea tree oil to your cleanser – or rub it on the bin once clean. Tea tree will mask the pheromone trail of insects and act as a natural antiseptic and insect repellent.

Skip meat and dairy in backyard compost

If you’re getting rats in your compost bin, you may be unintentionally providing a warm, sheltered feeding spot! Stick to fruit and veggie scraps and avoid:

• Bread or cooked foods

• Dairy products

• Meat, fish, fats or processed foods

These may be fine in your council collection, which is professionally managed, but they can attract pests or produce odours in your backyard compost.

Keep compost without rank smells and rodents — final tips

Achieving compost without rank smells and rodents comes down to balance, cleanliness and habit. Keep your bins dry, your compost moist, your food waste plant-based, and your tools clean. With small tweaks and a little consistency, you can enjoy composting that’s easy, pest-free, and pleasantly fresh — even in summer.