If you’re a dog owner, you already know the routine: scoop, bag, bin, and repeat. But as the days get warmer and the waste piles up, something else begins to happen — your backyard starts to smell like a dog park gone wrong. Dog poop bins are extremely convenient, but without proper maintenance, they quickly become the biggest source of outdoor odour around your home.
The good news? You can stop the smell at the source with a few simple changes. In this article, we’ll break down why dog poop bins smell, how to prevent odours, what products actually work, and what mistakes to avoid. Whether you have a single dog or a house full of furry friends, this guide gives you practical, long-lasting solutions to keep your backyard fresh.
Why Dog Poop Bins Smell (Even if You Think You’re Doing Everything Right)
Dog waste naturally contains bacteria, ammonia, sulphur compounds, and organic matter that begin decomposing as soon as it’s left in the bin. When trapped in a closed, warm container:
- Anaerobic bacteria multiply
- Gases expand and escape when the lid opens
- Moisture accelerates decomposition
- Heat makes everything smell 10× worse
Factors that make the smell even stronger:
1. Warm climates
Australian summers especially intensify odour. A bin that smells mildly in winter can become unbearable by January.
2. Poor ventilation
A sealed bin is good for containing mess, but without an odour-control system, gases have nowhere to go except out — straight into your face.
3. Using thin or unsealed bags
If you tie the bag loosely or use flimsy supermarket bags, leaks occur, and liquid waste can pool at the bottom of the bin.
4. Not cleaning the bin regularly
Even tiny residue particles left behind after emptying cause strong odours over time.
5. Inadequate odour-neutralisation
Air fresheners only cover up the smell; they do not eliminate the bacteria causing it.
Understanding the cause helps you take targeted action — and the good news is that everything is fixable..
The Ultimate Guide to Preventing Dog Poop Bin Odours in Your Backyard
Below is a comprehensive system of prevention + elimination strategies. Combined, these keep your backyard completely free from bin stink.
1. Start With the Right Bin Placement
Where you keep your dog poop bin can affect smell more than you realise.
Choose a shaded area
Shade keeps the internal temperature lower, slowing decomposition and reducing odour production.
Avoid placing bins near entertainment areas
Keep at least 3–5 metres away from patios, BBQ zones, or seating areas.
Put bins on a solid, cleanable surface
Place them on:
- Concrete
- Decking
- Pebbles or artificial turf
Avoid soil or grass where liquid could seep in and create additional smells.
2. Always Use High-Quality, Leak-Proof Bags
This is the first line of defence.
What bags work best?
Look for:
- Thick, durable material
- Strong tie handles
- Fully sealable designs
Compostable bags are eco-friendly but can tear easily in heat, so double-bagging might be necessary.
Tie bags tightly — every single time
Small gaps = huge odour escapes.
Remove air before tying
Trapped air allows gases to expand. Squeeze excess air out before sealing.
3. Add Odour-Absorbing Material Inside the Bin
This is one of the most effective, yet overlooked, strategies.
Great odour absorbers include:
- Baking soda
- Odour-neutralising granules
- Activated charcoal
- Bin Bombs (powerful, long-lasting odour tablets specifically made for bin smells)
Sprinkle the bottom of your bin with a deodorising agent before adding waste bags. Reapply weekly.
4. Line the Bottom of Your Bin
Dog waste bins often leak — even with good bags. So create a protective layer at the bottom.
Use:
- Newspaper sheets
- Puppy pads
- Cardboard
- Baking soda layer
- A bin deodoriser puck (like Bin Bombs)
This catches accidental drips, absorbs moisture, and reduces the chance of bacterial build-up.
5. Clean the Bin Properly Every Week or Fortnight
If your backyard smells, the bin likely needs a deep-clean.
How to clean a dog poop bin the right way:
Step 1: Empty the bin completely
No loose scraps, no drips left behind.
Step 2: Rinse with hot water
This loosens stuck waste.
Step 3: Use a strong cleaning solution:
Options include:
- Vinegar + hot water
- Eco-friendly disinfectant
- Oxygen-based cleaners
Avoid bleach with compostable bags — it can break them down prematurely.
Step 4: Scrub every surface
Inside walls, lid edges, hinges, handles.
Step 5: Dry thoroughly
Moisture helps bacteria thrive.
Step 6: Add deodoriser
Place a Bin Bomb at the bottom or sprinkle baking soda.
Even a quick rinse weekly can dramatically reduce smells.
6. Limit Bin Airflow — But Don’t Trap Moisture
Dog poop bins shouldn’t be airtight, but they also shouldn’t let odour escape easily.
Use bins with:
- Rubber-sealed lids
- Lockable tops
- Foot pedals
- Small vents (optional)
If your bin isn’t designed well, upgrading is worth it — airflow and sealing make a dramatic difference.
7. Don’t Let Dog Poop Sit Outside Too Long
The longer poop sits in your yard:
- The hotter it gets
- The more bacteria it develops
- The smellier your bin becomes later
Aim to scoop at least once per day.
Consider a dedicated “dog waste station” for convenience.
8. Freeze Your Bags Before Bin Day (Yes — It Works!)
A hack loved by many dog owners:
- Scoop dog waste into a small bag
- Seal tightly
- Place in the freezer until bin day
- Throw the frozen bag directly into your outdoor bin
This halts bacterial decomposition and odour release.
If you hate the smell of dog poop bins, freezing works wonders.
(Just dedicate a small freezer section — never mix with food.)
9. Add Odour-Control Tablets or Pucks (Best Long-Term Solution)
This is the step that makes the biggest difference.
Traditional solutions like baking soda aren’t strong enough to combat multiple dogs, hot climates, or wet waste.
What works best are high-strength odour-elimination tablets that neutralise smell at the bacterial level.
Benefits of odour-control tablets:
- Neutralise odour instead of masking it
- Absorb moisture
- Last weeks instead of hours
- Work in heat and humidity
- Keep bins fresher between cleans
If you’re constantly battling smells, this step is essential.
10. Avoid These Mistakes That Make Dog Poop Bin Smells Worse
Even well-meaning dog owners often do things that intensify odours:
❌ Mistake: Leaving the lid partially open
This invites flies, moisture, and warm air — all smell multipliers.
❌ Mistake: Dumping loose poop without a bag
This causes residue and makes cleaning much harder.
❌ Mistake: Overfilling the bin
If the lid can’t close, odours will overpower your yard.
❌ Mistake: Mixing dog poop with food scraps
This creates the worst decomposition smell possible.
❌ Mistake: Using scented sprays
They don’t eliminate odour — they mix with it, creating a stronger, sour smell.
Avoiding these mistakes alone significantly reduces backyard odour.
How Often Should You Empty Your Dog Poop Bin?
A good rule of thumb:
- 1 dog: Empty every 5–7 days
- 2 dogs: Every 3–5 days
- 3+ dogs: Every 2–3 days
During hot weather, empty more often.
If your bin is far from capacity but smells intensely, that’s usually a sign that:
- moisture is trapped
- bags are leaking
- there’s bacterial residue
Use odour control tablets between empties to keep everything fresh.
Natural vs. Commercial Odour Solutions — What Actually Works?
Here’s a quick comparison of common methods:
| Method | Cost | Effectiveness | Longevity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baking soda | Low | Moderate | 1–2 days |
| Vinegar | Low | Moderate | 1 day |
| Activated charcoal | Medium | Good | 5–7 days |
| Air fresheners | Low | Poor | Hours |
| Bin Bombs tablets | Medium | Excellent | 2–4 weeks |
| Bleach cleaners | Low | Good | Only after cleaning |
While natural solutions offer quick relief, they don’t last long and don’t eliminate bacteria.
For long-term odour control, commercial-grade bin deodorisers perform far better.
What If Your Backyard Still Smells After Cleaning the Bin?
Sometimes bin odour lingers even after you clean it. The issue may be:
1. Waste residue on the ground
Liquid drips soak into porous surfaces.
2. Flies attracted to scent molecules
Even if the bin smells mild to you, flies detect tiny chemical traces.
3. Nearby compost or food waste
The combination amplifies odours.
4. Your dog’s diet
High-protein diets often cause stronger-smelling waste.
5. Your bin’s plastic has absorbed the smell
Plastic is porous and can absorb odour over time.
Using a strong odour neutraliser is the only way to break those embedded odours.
Why Odour Control Is More Important Than You Think
Dog poop isn’t just a smell issue — it’s a hygiene issue.
Dog waste can contain:
- Salmonella
- E. coli
- Roundworms
- Parasites
- Bacteria that attract flies and rodents
Keeping your dog poop bin odour-free isn’t just about convenience; it’s about maintaining a healthy home environment — especially for kids who play outdoors.
The Easiest Way to Keep Dog Poop Bins Smell-Free: Use Bin Bombs
After all the techniques we’ve covered, nothing compares to using a targeted odour-elimination product that neutralises smell at the source.
Bin Bombs (https://binbombs.com.au/) are designed specifically to:
- Destroy odour molecules
- Prevent new smells from forming
- Absorb moisture from leaking bags
- Work in extreme Australian heat
- Keep bins fresh for weeks at a time
Unlike sprays or scented products, Bin Bombs eliminate the smell, rather than layering perfume over it.
Why dog owners love Bin Bombs:
✔ Perfect for dog poop bins
✔ Safe for pets & the environment
✔ Easy to drop in — no mess
✔ Works instantly and lasts long
✔ Ideal for summer and multi-dog households
If you want a permanent, low-maintenance odour solution, Bin Bombs are your best friend (besides your dog).
Final Thoughts
Dog poop bins don’t have to stink up your backyard. By choosing the right bin, sealing bags properly, maintaining cleanliness, and using a high-quality odour-eliminating solution, you can enjoy a fresh outdoor space all year long.
And when you want something that works effortlessly, simply place a Bin Bomb in the bottom of your bin and let it do the heavy lifting.
👉 Say goodbye to backyard smells — explore Bin Bombs now: https://binbombs.com.au/
Frequenlty Asked Questions
To stop your dog poop bin from smelling, seal every waste bag tightly, sprinkle odour-absorbing material like baking soda or Bin Bombs tablets, and clean the bin weekly using hot water and disinfectant. Keep the bin in a shaded outdoor spot and avoid overfilling it. Using a long-lasting odour neutraliser is the most reliable way to prevent backyard smells.
Heat accelerates bacterial breakdown inside the poop bin, creating stronger ammonia and sulphur odours. Bags also degrade faster, causing leaks and wet waste buildup. During summer, move your bin to a shaded area, empty it more often, use thick leak-proof bags, and add a deodoriser like Bin Bombs to control the high-temperature odour release.
You can add baking soda, activated charcoal, kitty litter, or purpose-made bin deodoriser tablets like Bin Bombs. These materials absorb moisture and neutralise bad smells at the bacterial level. Line the bottom of your bin with newspaper or cardboard to catch leaks, then place an odour-control tablet for the best long-lasting results.
Clean your dog poop bin every 1–2 weeks, depending on how many dogs you have and the weather. Rinse with hot water, scrub with disinfectant or vinegar solution, and let it dry completely before reusing. After cleaning, add an odour-elimination tablet to keep the bin fresh between deep cleans and prevent the plastic from absorbing smells.
No. Even high-quality poop bags can trap air and moisture, which leads to decomposition and bad smells. Bags may also leak, leaving residue inside the bin. While they help contain waste, you still need odour absorbers, regular bin cleaning, and proper bin placement to fully prevent backyard odours. Bin Bombs work best with sealed bags.
It’s better not to. Mixing dog poop with general rubbish increases moisture, bacterial activity, and decomposition, creating a stronger smell. If unavoidable, double-bag the waste and use a bin deodoriser. For best odour control, dedicate a smaller outdoor bin just for dog waste and use long-lasting odour tablets to neutralise the smell.
Flies are attracted to odour molecules escaping from the bin. Keep the lid tightly closed, use strong bags, clean residue weekly, and add an odour-neutralising tablet to block the scent. Place the bin in a shaded area, and avoid leaving loose poop or open bags nearby. Eliminating smell is the most effective fly deterrent.
Yes. Freezing dog poop is a surprisingly effective odour-control trick. Seal the waste in a small bag, freeze it, and then transfer it to the outdoor bin on bin day. Freezing halts bacterial growth and prevents strong smells from forming. For everyday convenience, combine this with odour-eliminating bin tablets like Bin Bombs.
Double-bagging helps if you’re using thin or compostable bags, especially in hot weather. It reduces leaks and slows down odour release. However, double-bagging alone won’t stop backyard smells. Use a deodorising agent at the bottom of your bin for proper, long-lasting odour control, especially if you have multiple dogs.
The most effective odour solution is a long-lasting deodoriser designed specifically for bin smells, such as Bin Bombs. These tablets neutralise odours at the source, absorb moisture, and keep bins fresh even during hot weather. They outperform sprays, scented products, and natural remedies because they destroy the actual smell-causing bacteria.
