NewsUK NewsBinmenPeople need to be aware of how the hot weather can make things worse11:10, 29 Jun 2026As more people in England get used to the idea of separating their food waste, a binman has claimed there is one serious mistake to avoid, as it could lead to an infestation. It is crucial to follow - especially in hot summer months.‌Social media influencer Ashley (@Theno1.biman) recently took to TikTok during the UK heatwave, which saw parts of the country bake in temperatures up to 40 °C. This creates a situation where bins fill up - especially when they're packed with nothing but leftovers and food scraps.‌In the video, he said: "Do not put your food waste directly in the sun the whole week. I'm not talking about just on bin day, because obviously, yes, sometimes you can't put it in the shade outside your house.‌"But, when it's in your garden, at the front of your house, back of your house, wherever, maybe find some shade."Ashley suggested that people don't need to invest in special bin storage, with ideas like covering the outside bin with furniture, bushes, or trees that provide shade. Regardless of where it goes, the rubbish collector said it needs to be "somewhere out of the sun".Content cannot be displayed without consent‌He added: "[The bin] absolutely reeks if you [put it in the sun] and it's just sitting outside your house. You don't want maggots, because we'll empty [the bin] but the maggots are just gonna stay in there."You attract flies, maybe some rats, because it's cooking in the bins. It's not just for my benefit, it's for yours as well. If you can do that, everyone will be happier."Maggots form when flies lay eggs on decomposing organic waste, particularly meat or fish. In warm weather, these eggs can hatch into maggots in as little as eight hours - and the problem can run rampant in any outside bin.‌How can I prevent maggots in bins?While most maggots will die off when your bin is emptied, but many will remain trapped inside and can keep the cycle going if they are not stopped. They frequently cling to the bottom, stick to the inner walls, or hide in the bin's damp crevices.To completely get rid of them after the bin is emptied, you must actively clean and treat the bin. To prevent maggots from coming back, use these methods:Article continues belowClean regularly: Rinse out your bins with hot water and a fragrant disinfectant (such as one containing citrus or eucalyptus) after they have been emptied to deter fliesKeep lids closed: Ensure your indoor kitchen caddy and outdoor food bin lids are completely closed to block flies from accessing the waste.Double wrap food: Place food scraps - especially meat, fish, and bones - into biodegradable caddy liners or wrap them in newspaper before disposal. Squeeze the air out of the bag and tie it tightly.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌BinmenRecyclingFoodEnglandExpert AdviceInsectsTikTok