Safety first: If you smell gas or smoke, leave the area and call 911. A gas smell may also be reported to your gas utility once you are safe. This guide covers ordinary garbage odors only.
Garbage odors can become more noticeable in warm, humid conditions. Odors may have more than one contributing factor, which is why good documentation makes any provider's assessment more useful.
Common contributing factors
- Residue buildup on chute walls and intake doors
- Liquids and food waste leaking from unsealed bags
- Conditions in the collection or compactor room
- Drainage or ventilation issues in the chute system
- Infrequent container or compactor service
What to document
- Which floors and intake doors are affected
- Time of day and days of the week the smell is strongest
- Whether it changes with weather or pickup schedules
- When the chute and collection room were last cleaned, if known
- Resident complaints, with dates
Low-risk steps managers can take
- Remind residents to bag and tie all waste and to avoid sending liquids down the chute
- Keep up the building's normal housekeeping routine in the collection room
- Share your documentation with a qualified provider
What to avoid
Do not pour cleaners, bleach or mixed chemicals into the chute. Mixing products can create dangerous fumes. Fragrance products may mask odors without addressing the source.
Questions to ask a provider
- How will you identify the source rather than only treat the smell?
- Do you inspect the chute, intake doors, discharge area and collection room?
- What products do you use, and are there resident notification or ventilation needs?
- What written findings will you provide?
See also our cleaning guide, or submit a non-emergency review request.