37. Trash Talk for Your Airbnb: Waste Management Tips
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Hey, it’s Brittany! Today we’re tackling one of the least glamorous—but most critical—parts of running a short-term rental: trash management. I know, it’s not the hot tub or the Instagram-worthy décor, but it’s a behind-the-scenes system that can make or break your guest experience and your reviews.
From knowing how local trash service works before you even buy a property, to setting up systems so guests never wonder where to toss a banana peel, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned (the hard way) about handling garbage like a pro.
You’ll hear real-world stories from my own properties and my clients’—including raccoon break-ins, maggot disasters, and the guest who tried to charge me $5 for taking out the trash. This episode will help you prevent avoidable complaints, keep your neighbors happy, and maintain a 5-star cleanliness rating.
🔑 Key Takeaways for STR Quality Control
- Do your homework before buying
- Is trash collection included in taxes or do you need a private vendor?
- How often is trash picked up? Weekly or biweekly recycling?
- Does the trash truck even service the property location?
- Match capacity to your guest load
- Large homes = more trash.
- Add extra bins for properties with 8+ guests to avoid overflow and review dings.
- Label your bins clearly
- Not all towns use color-coded lids.
- Guests appreciate clear recycling instructions.
- Assign bin duty
- Decide who will roll bins out and back—guests, cleaners, neighbors, or a trash service.
- Budget for extra pay if cleaners handle it.
- Set rules for what goes in the trash
- Ban items like fish carcasses or large objects that attract pests or cause smells.
- Consider signage on bins for clear guest guidelines.
🎧 Why Listen to This Episode?
Because trash isn’t glamorous—but it’s essential. Getting it wrong costs you time, money, and 5-star reviews. Getting it right keeps guests happy, neighbors quiet, and your property running smoothly without last-minute scrambles.
📌 Mentioned in the Episode
- Maximize your profits and get that money! Get your first month FREE and receive $10 off your first paid month when you click on the link below!
- Link: PriceLabs
- Want to learn how to launch an Airbnb?: Every dollar counts when it comes to investing. Save $50 with the Promo-code: 5STARPODCAST
- Connect with Me on Instagram: Follow me @airbnbroadmappodcast for behind-the-scenes content, tips, and updates.
🤝 Let’s Connect
Thinking about improving your Airbnb’s trash system? DM me on Instagram at @theairbnbroadmap with your questions or share your setup! I’d love to cheer you on and help you out.
🛠 Work With Me
Want to start or scale your own short-term rental business? Check out the Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator to learn how to find, launch, and manage your STRs with confidence.
⏱ Chapters
00:00 – Why Trash Management Matters
01:36 – The Three Pre-Purchase Trash Questions
06:50 – City vs. Rural Trash Realities
11:12 – When Trash Service Isn’t an Option
13:50 – Matching Bin Capacity to Guest Count
15:50 – Labeling & Recycling Rules
17:20 – Who Rolls the Bins Out?
21:25 – Rural Property Trash Solutions
26:20 – What Can & Can’t Go in the Bins
29:20 – Trash Done Right vs. Trash Done Wrong
30:18 – Building Trash Costs Into Your STR Budget
🔁 Subscribe and Share
If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to The Airbnb Roadmap on your favorite podcast platform and share it with a fellow host who needs a trash system upgrade!
