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Holiday home waste management recycling bins

Holiday home waste management is important to get right. As an owner, you may be wondering if you need to employ a commercial waste collection service, as well as the regulations you need to follow.

In this article, we share advice on holiday home waste collection regulations, services and costs.


Holiday home waste management | Owner advice

Use our quick links below to navigate the content or read on for the full guide on holiday home waste management.


Holiday home waste collection regulations

Holiday home waste management recycling bins

Effective holiday home waste management and collection is essential in ensuring your property remains safe, sanitary and that your guests are happy.

As a holiday let business owner, you have a legal responsibility for the waste generated at your property. It is up to you to ensure the following:

  1. All waste is properly disposed of
  2. You limit the damage your business has on the environment

The Controlled Waste Regulations 2012 sets out how local councils deal with waste from holiday lets and self-catering accommodation. It identifies ‘domestic properties used in the course of a business for the provision of self-catering accommodation’ as a producer of commercial waste.

If you let your property to paying guests, you will not be permitted to use the council’s kerbside household collection service. You will have to pay for commercial waste collection.

This applies even if you are not registered for business rates, as the Controlled Waste Regulations classify holiday lets and self-catering accommodation as a business.

It’s your responsibility to make sure that the waste at your holiday let is properly disposed of, and check that the waste carrier is registered and appropriately licensed. You can do this by searching the Environment Agency’s website. If you don’t comply according to the Environmental Protection Act 1991, you may be liable for a fine.


Choosing a commercial waste service provider

Holiday home waste management recyclable materials

You will want a provider who can collect a wide range of refuse types. It’s worth remembering that each local council will have different waste management requirements.

You should highlight the recycling requirements for your property to guests, making it clear how to organise waste, to maximise recycling opportunities and reduce the amount of rubbish that goes to landfills.

Below are materials that should be highlighted as being recyclable:

  • Cardboard
  • Paper
  • Glass
  • Plastic
  • Food
  • General waste

Some companies offer a single bin option. They will sort refuse for you (except for food and nappies).  This will minimise confusion and can be a convenient way to make sure that refuse is recycled correctly. While others charge by the bag or box, it is important to understand in advance exactly how many boxes you’ll need so you can budget accordingly.

Collecting waste from your holiday home

You will need to consider how easy it is for companies to collect the waste from your property. If your holiday home is in a remote location or along a narrow road, you will need to employ a service with smaller trucks so they can reach you.

Timing and reliability are essential when arranging waste collection for your holiday home. A driveway full of bin bags is not the first impression you want to create for your guests. Similarly, you want a provider that is thorough and won’t leave anything behind.


Legal documentation | Keep the waste transfer note

For each load of waste removed off your premises, you need a waste transfer note or documentation, such as an invoice, for each collection. This is provided by the waste collection company, usually on an annual basis. It will also contain a list of all the services provided and the collection frequency.

Your waste transfer note is a legally required document. You are required to keep copies of all waste transfer notes and waste transfer information. You must sign this and keep it for at least two years as proof for the council. More information can be found on GOV.UK.

Don’t be tempted to try and cut costs. Councils are wise to businesses trying to leave their refuse out with the neighbours for kerbside collection. Any businesses caught doing so could be fined.


How to reduce waste collection costs

Holiday home waste management recycling bins

Now that you’re paying for your waste to be collected, the simplest way to lower your costs (and benefit the environment) will be to reduce the amount of waste generated by your property. To do this in practice you’ll need to help your guests, to help you!

Although most of us are used to recycling at home, differing collection types and a more relaxed attitude can lead to less refuse being correctly disposed.

Here are some top tips to encourage guests to manage their waste at your property correctly:

  1. Make a simple bin schedule for your guests to follow.
  2. Clearly label bins and containers if space allows.
  3. Use different containers for different types of waste.
  4. Give bins a designated area where they won’t be blown away, knocked over or besieged by seagulls or other creatures.
  5. Make sure you leave clear instructions highlighting the waste collection schedule. The easiest way to communicate these instructions is in your holiday homes guest information folder.

For more information on collection and recycling for your area, visit your local council website. We have also attached some useful links below:

Cornwall Council:  https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/environment-and-planning/recycling-rubbish-and-waste/

Devon County Council:  https://www.devon.gov.uk/wasteandrecycling/commercial-waste/

Chenoweth Trading Company: www.chenowethstradingco.com

Biffa: www.biffa.co.uk/business-waste

Cornwall Waste Care: www.cwc.gb.net 


Let your cottage with Helpful Holidays

Whether you have queries on council tax for holiday homes, questions about changeovers and cleaning or guidance on health and safety regulations, our team of experts at Helpful Holidays are always on-hand to offer advice. If you would like a copy of our ‘Helpful Hints’ guide with top tips to setting up your holiday home. Get in touch!

Find out more about letting your holiday cottage with us by requesting your owners guide today, or calling our team on 01647 401799.