Garbage, waste, rubbish, recycling…….whatever you want to call it…. may not seem the most riveting of topics but it's one that affects everyone who rents out a vacation home.

Your guests will naturally generate much more waste stuff than they normally do at home and it's important you make it crystal clear what they need to do to dispose of it, or ready it for disposal. Here's some pointers to help you avoid a stinky welcome when you arrive to do a changeover.

Prewarn your guests

The majority of your guests will be accustomed to kerbside garbage pick-up so if your system is significantly different, you should let them know in advance what is expected of them. You don't need to include detail of how waste should be separated or information on the location of a local dump -- simply inform them briefly of the procedure. It won't come as too much of a surprised to them to find detailed instructions in your property Welcome Guide.

Provide disposal bags and boxes

Where recycling is required, supply boxes for guests to store their cans, bottles, paper and cardboard etc. Clearly label the boxes and laminate a Recycling Guide describing how everything should be separated. We know of some landfills that require all organic garbage to be placed in transparent bags so it can be checked by the landfill attendants so if this is the case your facility, appropriate bags should also be provided.

Recycling & Waste Disposal Guide

Every township and location is different. Some have draconian requirements and others are less restrictive but either way it's important that you have a clearly laid out guide that tells your guests what they should recycle and how their waste should be separated. If they need tags or need to pay for disposal make this clear as well. Many owners will supply a couple of pre-paid tags in the Welcome Package. Provide clear directions to the waste disposal facility highlighting the opening times.

Waste storage options

In areas where there are bears, raccoons and other critters that just love a tasty treat in a black bin liner, it's important to warn your guests not to leave any garbage outside at any time. However, when it's hot and humid they need options to store waste food where it won't become rancid and smelly. If you don't use a bear-proof composter (if there are such things) and have some freezer space, suggest that your guests bag their organic waste and put it in the freezer until it is time to head to the dump.

Kerbside Pickup

Where your property does have kerbside pickup you may have situations where outgoing guests are leaving their garbage for incoming guests to put out on garbage day. Make sure you let them know what they have to do and when they have to do it, emphasizing any restrictions on bags there may be. This needs to be managed well with clear instructions or you will be getting phone calls from your guests complaining that they have arrived to a garage full of garbage.

Disposal

If you require guests to dispose of their own garbage prior to departure, make it as easy for them as you can. If possible, suggest they make the trip on the day before their vacation is over, and offer to dispose of any remaining waste -- perhaps with a limit of one bag. You want your guests to leave the property as happily as they can despite the fact their vacation has come to an end. If their last memory is of trying to clean up the property and haul 6 bags of smelly rubbish to the dump in their final few hours, with several fractious kids running around, it could be reflected in a negative review. If the cost of creating an easy departure for your guests is helping them out with garbage disposal, I would suggest you consider doing this.

Hopefully you are still with me! I know it's not the most fun topic but it's essential to get it right from both your perspective and your rental guests'. If you have any other creative ideas for dealing with garbage issues, I'd love to hear them.

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