That's an excellent question! Dealing with outdoor trash can odors is a common challenge, especially in warmer weather. The good news is, yes, there are several effective odor-neutralizing liner options and strategies you can use.
Firstly, you can find specially designed scented trash bags made for outdoor cans. These are thicker than standard bags and often infused with deodorizing agents or strong, pleasant fragrances like citrus or lavender that help mask unpleasant smells as they contain the garbage.
A highly effective and popular choice is using bags or liners with baking soda. Many brands offer trash liners that have a layer of baking soda baked right into the plastic. As the bag fills, the baking soda actively absorbs and neutralizes odors rather than just covering them up. You can also create your own by sprinkling a generous amount of baking soda at the bottom of a standard heavy-duty bag before you line your can.
For a more heavy-duty solution, consider charcoal-activated liners or inserts. These use natural activated charcoal, which is a powerful odor absorber. They often come as flat sheets or pouches that you can place at the bottom of your can underneath your primary bag.
Beyond liners, a great practice is to always give your outdoor trash can itself a regular clean. Hose it down with a mixture of water and vinegar or a mild disinfectant every few weeks. Let it dry completely in the sun before putting in a new liner—this prevents mildew and kills odor-causing bacteria.
Finally, being mindful of what goes in the bin helps tremendously. Try to seal particularly smelly food waste, like fish scraps or diapers, in separate smaller bags before tossing them into the main liner.
Combining a good quality odor-fighting liner with regular can maintenance is the best way to keep your outdoor area smelling clean and fresh.