6 Tips to Keep Nature at Bay When Composting With GoZERO

As temperatures rise and warmer months approach, it's essential to take extra care in managing food waste composting. Whether it's in your garage or at a commercial composting site, keeping your compost containers free from insects, odors, and wildlife is crucial. Here are six tips to keep your GoZERO composting containers clean, hygienic, and pest-free all year long.

#1: Always Keep Container Lids Fully Closed

The lid is your first and best defense against pests and odors. Whether you're using a bucket or a GoZERO cart, ensuring that the lid is fully closed helps to lock in smells and keep critters out. GoZERO cart lids are designed to minimize both odors and pest access when kept tightly shut.

#2: Keep Your Compost Carts 2 to 5 Feet Off the Beaten Path

A simple human factor here—keeping your compost carts away from high-traffic areas reduces the chance of contamination. When carts are too close to pathways, people are more likely to treat them like regular trash bins. Placing them 2 to 5 feet away from these areas reduces the chance of non-compostable material, such as plastic or trash, being thrown in.

#3: Keep Your Compost Carts 2 Feet or More Away from Bushes, Trees, or Half Walls

Creatures like squirrels, raccoons, and opossums are opportunistic and easily access compost containers if placed too close to structures like bushes, trees, or half-walls. Ensuring a clear space of at least 2 feet around your compost cart prevents these pests from gaining easy access and helps maintain the integrity of the container.

#4: Whenever Possible, Have Your Containers Serviced Weekly

Regular servicing is one of the most effective ways to prevent insect infestations. The gestation period of a household fly is just one week, so by having your containers serviced weekly—emptied, washed, lined, and reset—you prevent flies and maggots from setting up shop. This practice also deters yellow jackets, especially in warmer months when food waste can attract them. Regular servicing is a simple way to ensure your composting system remains clean and pest-free.

#5: Use Compostable Bags and Tie Them Off Before Placing Them in Your GoZERO Cart

Pre-bagging your organic waste in compostable bags can virtually eliminate the chances of pests tampering with your compost. By tying off the bags before placing them in the cart, you prevent odors from escaping and make it harder for pests like rodents to detect the material. This should be standard practice for customers who have bi-weekly pickups. Compostable bags provide an additional layer of protection, keeping the cart cleaner for longer and enhancing overall hygiene.

#6: Spray Vinegar Around the Rim of Your Containers and Lids

During the warmer months, vinegar can be a powerful ally in keeping insects at bay. After your GoZERO cart has been emptied, washed, and reset, spray vinegar around the rim and underside of the lid. This simple, inexpensive solution is highly effective at deterring pests. It can be a great natural alternative to chemical insect repellents. A quick spritz around the container will help maintain a pest-free environment, and you can easily do this yourself with items you likely already have on hand.

Conclusion

By implementing these six simple tips, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of pests, odors, and contamination in your composting containers. Whether you are composting at home or managing a commercial setup, these practices ensure that your composting process stays efficient, hygienic, and friendly to the environment. With a bit of care, nature won't get the best of your composting efforts.