TOP tips to keep wheelie bins clean and odour-free during the warm summer months have been released by Wiltshire Council.

Proper disposal of waste and a few simple measures can ensure waste doesn’t become a nuisance, says the council.

Toby Sturgis, cabinet member for waste, said: “The warm weather is always welcome and by remembering to take some simple steps it’s possible to manage waste during the hot days to avoid it becoming an issue.”

The top 10 tips for managing waste are:

• Make sure to keep the lid of the wheelie bin closed to avoid flies being able to enter the bin and lay eggs.

• If possible, store all wheeled bins out of direct sunlight. This will help to reduce smells and help prevent flies being attracted to your waste.

• Rinse out plastic bottles before putting them in the plastic bottle and card bin and rinse out jars and tins before putting them in the black box. This can be done at the end of the washing up to save water.

• Try not to leave food outside or on food preparation surfaces for too long, especially if having a barbeque. Put food waste into the kitchen bin as soon as possible to avoid flies landing and laying eggs.

• Wrap food waste in newspaper or plastic bags before placing into the bin.

• Put used nappies in bags before putting them in the bin.

• Try to only buy the food required. The average family wastes £60 worth of food each month. For lots of hints and tips to reduce food waste visit www.lovefoodhatewaste.com

• Buy a food waste digester – Wiltshire residents can purchase one at a discounted price. For more details go to….

• Remember to put bins out by 7am on your collection day.

• Waste that will not fit into your black wheeled bin should be taken to the nearest household recycling centre. Bags placed beside the household waste bin will not be collected.