Scientists have built a solar-powered trash-bin lid that destroys food-waste smells using only sunlight, according to a study published October 1 in Environmental Science & Technology.

The lid uses a lithium-boosted manganese dioxide catalyst. A lens focuses sunlight onto the catalyst, which breaks down acetic acid, the compound behind sour food-waste odour.

In tests under real sunlight, the device kept working for more than 40 days without losing power. The researchers say it could cut the smell from bins in hot climates where waste rots fast.

Food waste is a major source of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. The team says reducing odour could also make composting and waste sorting more acceptable to households.

The technology is still at the lab stage, but the researchers believe cheap solar lids could one day be fitted to bins in homes and markets. The study was reported by TechXplore and other science outlets.