How to manage post-sallah waste and hygiene in your compound

After Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, many compounds are often left with animal blood, bones, intestines, nylons, leftover food and other waste materials after slaughtering rams and other cooking activities.

When these wastes are not handled properly, they may produce strong odours, attract flies and rodents, block drainage systems and create unhealthy surroundings, especially during the rainy season.Because of this, proper waste disposal and compound sanitation have become increasingly important after Sallah celebrations.

In this article, Tribune Online explains simple ways to manage post-Sallah waste and maintain hygiene within residential compounds.

Bury animal waste properly

Bury unusable animal parts such as intestines, blood, horns and bones after slaughter. Proper burial reduces bad odours and prevents flies, stray animals and rodents from spreading the waste around the compound. Deep burial also reduces environmental contamination during rainfall. Digging deep pits  before covering the waste completely with soil is the best approach.

Pour lime or ash over the waste

Agricultural lime or ash should be poured over buried waste before covering it completely. This reduces foul smells and slows down the spread of insects around the disposal area. In many communities, ash remains one of the simplest traditional methods used to manage animal waste odour after slaughter activities.

Wash the slaughter area immediately

The slaughter areas should be washed immediately after processing animals instead of leaving blood and dirt on the ground for long hours. Floors are commonly scrubbed using water, detergent and disinfectants to remove stains, grease and bacteria. Hot water could also be poured and mixed with bleach around the slaughter area to improve hygiene and reduce smell.

Dispose of waste nylons and food packs properly

Sallah celebrations often produce large amounts of nylon packs, takeaway containers, plastic bottles and leftover food waste. It’s ideal to separate waste properly before disposal  instead of dumping everything carelessly around gutters or open spaces. Tying waste inside bags before disposal also reduces flies and unpleasant smells around the compound.

Keep drainage channels clean

Animal waste and nylons dumped inside gutters may block drainage systems during rainfall. For proper hygiene, clear your nearby drainage  channels after Sallah activities to prevent flooding and stagnant water around your vicinity. Clean drainage areas also reduce mosquito breeding during the rainy season.

Store leftover meat safely

Proper meat storage also forms an important part of post-Sallah hygiene.

Refrigerate, freeze, fry or smoke leftover meat immediately after cooking and sharing activities. Meat left exposed for long periods may spoil quickly and attract flies, especially during hot weather.

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Clean knives and slaughter tools

Knives, tables, buckets and cutting surfaces used during slaughter are usually washed  thoroughly after use. Disinfect these tools properly to reduce bacteria and prevent unpleasant smells around the compound after Sallah activities.

Prevent flies and rodents

Improper waste disposal after Sallah may attract flies, rats and stray animals into residential compounds. Because of this, cover waste bins properly and remove waste quickly after slaughter and cooking activities end. Spray insecticides around waste areas to reduce flies during the festive period.

Wash hands regularly during cleaning

People handling blood, waste and slaughter materials are often encouraged to wash their hands properly afterwards.

Use soap, disinfectants and clean water regularly during post-Sallah cleaning activities to reduce contamination and improve hygiene.