Many homeowners refuse to invest in high-end recycling bins. Because the municipal waste employees simply toss the can onto the sidewalk, many feel that is unnecessary to spend more than you have to on a blue recycling bin. Is this true? You can certainly understand the argument.

However, since recycling bin technology has truly evolved in recent years, perhaps it isn’t such a bad idea to purchase a couple of new ones. The newest bins combat racoons, withstand environmental conditions, and remain in great shape for years to come.

Interested? That’s great!

Now you just need to properly take care of your high-end recycling bins. By adopting these measures, you can ensure that your investment won’t go to waste in a couple of years.

Here are five maintenance tips for your high-end recycling bins:

1. Regularly Wipe the Inside & Outside of Bins

Let’s be honest: recycling bins can get nasty over the weeks, months, and years. Everything from the bacteria from your recyclables to the elements of nature, it won’t take too long for your recycling bin to be engulfed in odours and bacteria.

How can you solve this problem?

It’s simple: regularly wipe the inside and outside of your recycling bins. There are two ways: spray the cans with Lysol and then wash them away with a hose; or get a few Lysol wipes and wipe them down.

If you do this on a regular basis, then you won’t have to worry about bugs, pests, and germs.

2. Don’t Toss Garbage into the Bins

To err is human. Many of us toss garbage into our recycling bins by accident – we wouldn’t do it on purpose. But, if you wish to keep your recycling bins in great shape, then try your best to refrain from throwing garbage – your kitten litter, last week’s dinner, or the baby diaper – into the recycling bin.

3. Filled to the Rim? Take Items Out

Because we accumulate so much junk, it can be easy to fill your recycling bin up to the rim.

If you have two bins, then you can merely transfer some of the items in one container and place them in the other. However, should you only have one recycling bin and it is overflowing, then the only other option is to take the items out, place them in a big garbage bag, and wait until the following week to recycle.

4. Clean Your Recyclables Before Recycling

Does that glass container of tomato sauce still have elements of tomato sauce? Does that soda pop bottle have left over root beer? Do you generally keep all of your recyclables dirty?

Well, perhaps it is time that you change this behaviour.

Prior to tossing your recyclables in the recycling bin, you need to take the time to clean these items. This will certainly keep your high-end recycling bins clean and free from germs, stains, and an overall grotesque container.

Yes, it will eat away more of your precious time, but it is worth it in the end.

5. Keep Your Bins Inside the Garage

One of the best things you can do to keep your high-end recycling bins clean and in great condition is to keep them inside the garage. Rather than have them stand on the curb or sit in front (or behind) of your home, it would be prudent to have them reside in your garage until it is garbage day.

That said, you need to employ the previous suggestions to prevent pests from invading.

Yes, product packaging can be a real headache for most consumers. But adaptation is key.

If you’re like most homeowners, you likely don’t think too much of your recycling bin. Unfortunately, they can be significant eyesores and cause you to be ashamed of either your daily behaviours or the front of your expensive home. By investing in high-end recycling bins, you don’t need to worry what others think, and you can continue practicing your eco-friendly endeavours.