An empty trash can is not necessarily a clean trash can. After collection, food residue, leaked liquids, pet waste residue and other grime can remain on the bottom, walls, lid and handles. In North Texas heat, that buildup can also contribute to persistent odors.
Common sources of bin buildup
- Leaking household trash bags
- Food and drink residue
- Pet-waste bags and other messy household waste
- Recycling spills
- Rainwater mixed with residue already in the cart
Dirty outdoor bins can contain microorganisms, as many everyday waste surfaces do, but the presence of microbes does not by itself establish that a particular household bin will make someone sick. The practical reason to clean the cart is simpler: remove grime, residue and odors and keep the area around the bin easier to maintain.
How Ameri-CANZ cleans Murphy bins
Ameri-CANZ uses purpose-built hot-water equipment to clean trash and recycling cans curbside after pickup. Dirty wash water is captured on the truck. Customers do not need to be home as long as eligible empty cans are accessible for the route.
See the Murphy trash can cleaning page for local service information or our route-day guide for service-day preparation.