Why bin store odours become a bigger issue in warm weather, and what can be done about it

The rise in temperatures each year brings familiar problems to residential developments, flats, and commercial properties. One of the most persistent complaints is the smell coming from communal bin stores or rubbish areas. Whether it's labelled as a “bin store odour solution for flats” or “communal bin area air purification”, the issue is the same: warmer weather accelerates the conditions that cause unpleasant smells, and those smells can travel fast.

What causes bin store smells?
At its core, bin store odour is caused by the decomposition of organic waste. When food, nappies, packaging, and other materials break down, they release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ammonia, hydrogen sulphide, and a range of unpleasant fatty acids. These substances not only smell bad, they can also linger and spread, especially in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas. Warm weather acts like an accelerant. Bacteria and mould multiply more quickly in the heat, speeding up the decomposition process and intensifying the release of odorous gases. In many communal bin areas, ventilation is minimal, meaning these smells are trapped and amplified, leading to complaints from residents and visitors alike.

Why traditional approaches fall short
Typical responses such as air fresheners or increased cleaning frequency only mask the problem temporarily or treat symptoms rather than the cause. Even mechanical ventilation systems struggle to keep up when odour-causing bacteria are thriving. And once a bin area starts to smell, it often attracts pests, compounding the problem further.

How air purification can help
To effectively tackle bin store odours, the root cause, bacteria and VOCs, must be addressed. This is where air purification technologies that operate continuously come into play. Solutions like those from AIRsteril work by neutralising the compounds responsible for odour before they build up to complaint levels. Rather than masking smells, they break down airborne contaminants and help maintain a fresher environment around the clock.

An added benefit is the deterrent effect on pests. By disrupting the “odour trail” many insects follow to locate waste, these systems help discourage infestations from starting in the first place.

A year-round solution with seasonal benefits
While odour complaints tend to peak in the warmer months, bin store air quality is a year-round issue. Systems that operate 24/7 with low energy use and minimal maintenance offer long-term value and a visible improvement in hygiene standards. If you’re responsible for a residential development, flat block, or commercial waste area, considering a dedicated air purification system could be the difference between proactive management and repeated complaints.