Small buckets in the house and pre-sorting
It is best to only use a small bucket for organic waste in the house and empty it into the garbage can outside every three days at the latest. Always keep all bins tightly closed so that no flies can get in and lay their eggs. Nobody wants maggots in their organic waste garbage can! It is best to wrap vegetable waste and the like in newspaper (no colorful printed magazines!). The paper absorbs moisture, so the waste rots less. Sawdust also helps. Extra tip: buy filter lids from a DIY store. Line the bottom of the large organic waste garbage can with newspaper.
Do not place the organic waste garbage can in the sun
The most important thing is to keep the garbage can out of the sun. This is actually logical, as heat promotes the fermentation process and quickly makes the garbage can smell unpleasant. So put it in the shade - but not directly under the neighbor's window!
Cleaning the organic waste garbage can with household remedies
Baking powder on the bottom of the bin absorbs odors. Caution: do not use on metal containers. Alternatively, crushed charcoal and coffee powder work. Simply put some on the bottom of the bucket. Lavender keeps flies away. Be careful with deodorants and scented sachets: Unfortunately, they only mask the smell.
Wash out regularly
Even if it's disgusting: as a homeowner, you should clean your garbage cans regularly with the garden hose. A little detergent will give them a fresh scent. In residential complexes, make sure that the garbage cans are cleaned, otherwise let the management know.
Keep the rim clean
Whether it's a small "organic garbage can" in the home or the large one outside: if the edges are stained, this is an invitation for flies and fruit flies to eat. Cleanliness is extremely important, especially in warm weather. The best way to keep it clean is with vinegar water.
Paper absorbs moisture
Wrap leftover food and vegetable scraps in newspaper and then throw them in the organic waste garbage can. The paper absorbs the moisture so that the leftovers don't rot so quickly. But don't use too much paper, it belongs in the other garbage can.
Filters keep maggots out of the garbage can
There are special filter lids that neutralize the smell and are also supposed to keep maggots out of the garbage can. However, this is not cheap. They cost around 70 euros (e.g. via Amazon)