Beyond Recycling: Smart Ways to Reduce Vacation Rental Waste

Most of your guests will be familiar with recycling and many will be concerned about waste and where it goes.  

While recycling is a great starting point, truly sustainable short-term rental operations go beyond the basics to implement smarter, more impactful waste reduction strategies. 

Here are five ways vacation rental operators can cut down on waste, enhance guest experience, and even save money.

1. Bulk Amenity Programs That Work

Single-use toiletries and plastic-packaged amenities are some of the biggest waste contributors in vacation rentals. 

By switching to bulk amenity dispensers, you can significantly cut down on plastic waste while maintaining a high-end guest experience.

How to Implement Bulk Amenities:

• Wall-mounted dispensers: Invest in high-quality, tamper-proof dispensers for shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. 
• Eco-conscious brands: Use natural, biodegradable, and cruelty-free products to appeal to eco-conscious guests.
• Partnership with suppliers: Many suppliers offer bulk purchasing programs, which can lower costs in the long run.

💡 Bonus Tip: Highlight your bulk amenity program in your listing description. Many travelers prioritize sustainability when booking a rental.

2. Digital Welcome Books vs. Paper

Paper welcome books are quickly becoming outdated, both for environmental and practical reasons. Digital welcome books not only reduce paper waste but also provide guests with real-time, interactive information about their stay.

Why Go Digital?

• Updated in real-time: Easily modify Wi-Fi passwords, local recommendations, and check-out instructions.
• Interactive features: Include videos, clickable maps, and direct links to local services.
• Paperless & cost-effective: No need to print and replace worn-out pages.

🛠 How to Get Started: Platforms like Touch Stay, YourWelcome, or Hostfully allow you to create a professional, user-friendly digital guidebook that enhances guest experience while reducing waste.

3. Composting Solutions for Properties

From Feb – April 2022, Rachel Parson, Founder at New Forest Escapes, measured the stuff guests had thrown out by weight and content.  Given the nature of the job, there was only a small sample (just 3 properties over that period) but it gave a good insight into the problem of high amounts of household waste.

• In some cases guests were creating up to 20kgs of waste in 3 days
• Up to 30% of black bag waste was actually food waste
• Where a compost solution was provided, 99% of people used the system immediately
• When food waste was separated recycling rates increased
• Guests expect owners to help them dispose of waste in the best way

Food waste is a huge issue in vacation rentals. A simple composting program can divert organic waste from landfills and even benefit the local environment.

How to Introduce Composting:

• Provide a compost bin: Set up a small compost bin in the kitchen with clear instructions.
• Partner with local farms or composting programs: Many communities offer compost pickup services or local drop-off locations.
• Offer biodegradable liners: Guests are more likely to use the bin if it’s easy and mess-free.

💡 Bonus Tip: If your property has a garden, use the compost to enrich the soil and grow fresh herbs for guests to use.

4. Training Cleaning Teams on Waste Reduction

Your cleaning team plays a critical role in sustainability efforts. Proper training can ensure that waste is minimized at every turnover.

Waste-Reduction Training Tips:

• Separate recyclables & compostables: Ensure cleaners are sorting waste properly.
• Reduce single-use plastics: Encourage cleaners to refill bulk amenity dispensers instead of replacing small bottles.
• Donate usable items: Left-behind food, toiletries, or clothing can be donated to local shelters rather than thrown away.
• Create SOPs or workflows that include 

💡 Bonus Tip: Provide incentives for cleaning teams who actively participate in sustainability efforts, such as bonuses for reducing waste or using eco-friendly cleaning products.

5. Programs to Alleviate Food Waste on Guest Departure

A lot of good food gets wasted when guests check out. Instead of throwing it away, implement a food rescue program.

Host, Diane Daniel launched Vacation Donations in Indian Rocks Beach (IRB) in 2023. An avid recycler, reuser and repurposer, she’s declared a war on the waste that guests leave behind and created a program where they can donate their left-over non-perishables.

Food Waste Solutions:

• "Take It or Leave It" Shelf: Encourage guests to leave unopened, non-perishable food items in a designated area for future guests or local donation.
• Partner with local food banks: Some organizations will pick up leftover food from short-term rentals.
• Encourage meal planning: Provide guests with recipes that use common ingredients so they buy only what they need.

💡 Bonus Tip: Leave a note reminding guests to check their fridge and take what they can before departure. A simple reminder can prevent unnecessary waste.

Final Thoughts

Waste reduction isn’t just good for the planet—it enhances guest satisfaction, lowers operating costs, and positions your rental as a leader in sustainable hospitality. By implementing these strategies, you’ll reduce your environmental footprint while offering a high-quality experience that today’s eco-conscious travelers appreciate.

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