Wondering how to manage waste responsibly in your holiday let?
With new recycling regulations in place across Wales and growing expectations from eco-conscious travellers, waste management has become an essential part of running a successful holiday property. Whether you let your home year-round or seasonally, staying compliant with local rules not only protects the environment but also improves your guests’ experience.
Here’s everything you need to know to make waste management easier, greener, and fully compliant in your Welsh holiday let…
Why is waste management important?
Managing waste properly is essential for holiday lets in Wales, not just for legal reasons but to protect the local environment and community. The region is home to some of Wales’ most beautiful landscapes, including coastlines, mountains and national parks that draw thousands of visitors every year. Without the right systems in place, waste from holiday lets can quickly lead to littering, pollution and long-term damage to these sensitive environments.
Legally, holiday lets are classified as commercial properties. Since April 2024, they must comply with Wales’ Workplace Recycling Regulations.
Good waste management is also key to providing a positive guest experience. Eco-conscious guests are increasingly drawn to properties that take sustainability seriously. By managing waste responsibly, holiday let owners can support Wales’ zero-waste ambitions while protecting the environment, respecting the community and running a cleaner, greener business.
Benefits of correct waste management
Proper waste management in holiday homes bring a range of benefits. One of the most immediate is legal compliance. By separating recyclables and using licensed waste carriers, owners avoid fines and keep their business in line with Welsh regulations.
There are also clear environment advantages. Managing waste correctly reduces landfill use, cuts emissions, and helps protect Wales’ coastlines, countryside and wildlife. It supports a cleaner, greener tourism industry.
From a business point of view, clean, well-managed properties improve guest satisfaction. Guests appreciate tidy bins, clear signage, and eco-friendly practises, often reflected in positive reviews and repeat bookings.
Lastly, responsible waste practises build trust with local communities. Using commercial services rather than domestic bins helps pressure on public resources, keeping towns and villages cleaner during peak visitor seasons.
How to make waste management easier in your holiday let
Making waste management simple and effective in your holiday let doesn’t have to be complicated. Start by clearly labelling all bins, both inside and outside the property, with easy-to-understand signs. Include separate containers for general waste, recycling and food waste, following local council requirements.
Provide guests with a short welcome guide or bin instructions, explaining what goes where and when the bins are collected. Visual aids or a printed summary can make a big difference, especially for visitors unfamiliar with local rules.
Use robust, easy to clean bins and make sure liners are stocked so guests can dispose of waste cleanly. Keep bins in accessible but discreet locations, somewhere they won’t be missed but also won’t cause a nuisance.
Finally, consider working with reliable commercial waste providers who can offer flexible collection schedules and advice tailored to your property. Taking these small steps can make waste management seamless for you and your guests and help you stay fully compliant with current regulations.
Waste collection across different counties
General Rules (applies in all Welsh counties listed)
Holiday lettings and self‑catering properties are classified as non‑domestic/commercial premises. Households cannot use domestic kerbside waste services.
As of 6 April 2024, the Workplace Recycling Regulations require all businesses (including holiday lets) to separate recyclable waste into:
- Paper & card
- Glass
- Metal, plastic & cartons
- Food waste (if more than 5 kg/week)
- Unsold textiles
- Small WEEE (e.g. small electronics)
Disposing food waste down the sink or via macerator into the sewer is prohibited under these regulations.
A Duty of Care applies, waste must be collected by a licensed carrier, accompanied by a Waste Transfer Note, and records retained for at least 2 years.
Non-compliance can lead to enforcement action; fines are possible for failure to separate recyclables or for improper disposal of food waste. Some councils may also face penalties if they collect unsorted waste.
County‑Specific Information
Ceredigion
Holiday lets must use commercial waste services and cannot use household centres or kerbside collections
Local council provides business waste contracts.
Powys
Business waste services available via council or licensed providers.
Operators must meet duty of care, separation rules, and record‑keeping.
Carmarthenshire
Holiday let operators must arrange commercial waste collection via licensed carriers or commercial centres; domestic household services not permitted Vale of Glamorgan.
Council does not accept business waste at household sites.
Pembrokeshire
Holiday letting businesses must purchase trade waste packages, which include bin hire, recycling and general waste collections (weekly recycling, three‑weekly general waste) Pembrokeshire County Council.
Duty of care and recycling obligations apply.
Swansea (City and County of Swansea)
Provides commercial waste and recycling services tailored for businesses, including holiday lets.
From April 2024, workplace recycling regulations in force.
Neath Port Talbot
Offers a range of wheeled bin collection services for businesses, including recycling containers; holiday lets can use council’s commercial service or private contractor.
Duty of care and workplace recycling rules apply across all business premises.
Bridgend
Council provides business waste and recycling collection services (as part of all unitary councils with service) Commercial Waste Quotes.
Holiday lets must use these commercial services and comply with separation/duty‑of‑care rules.
Rhondda Cynon Taf
Also included among the councils offering commercial waste services to businesses including holiday lets Commercial Waste Quotes.
Standard compliance applies.
Vale of Glamorgan
Offers a commercial waste service including duty of care documentation, recycling and waste separation options. Service redesigned to meet April 2024 workplace recycling laws Vale of Glamorgan.
Cardiff
Cardiff is listed among councils that provide business waste services; holiday lets must use commercial contracts, separate recyclables and meet duty of care Commercial Waste Quotes.
Caerphilly
Council provides business/commercial waste collections; holiday lets classified as business premises must sign up and comply Commercial Waste Quotes.
Newport
Newport City Council offers commercial waste services; holiday lets must use them and follow legal duty of care and separation rules Commercial Waste Quotes.
Monmouthshire
Provides business waste collection services. Holiday let operators are required to use these services and comply with the same rules as above Commercial Waste Quotes.
Eco friendly waste management
Running an eco-friendly holiday let starts with how you handle waste. One of the simplest ways to reduce your environmental impact is by minimising waste at the source. Provide refillable soap dispenser, avoid single use toiletries and buy in bulk where possible to cut down on packaging.
Composting food waste, if practical, is another great step, especially for rural or countryside properties. You could even use the compost in your garden or supply it to local growers.
How to encourage your guests to recycle correctly
Getting your holiday let guests to recycle properly starts with making it easy and obvious. Place clearly labelled bins in key areas like the kitchen and use colour-coded signs or simple icons that match the local recycling scheme. The more visual and straightforward, the better.
Include a brief recycling guide in your welcome pack or display it near the bins. Highlight what can and can’t go in each bin and let guests know when collections happen. A quick “dos and don’ts” list can make a big difference.
Make sure bins are well-placed and easy to access, inside and outside. If guests have to hunt for a recycling bin or walk too far, they’re more likely to give up and throw everything in the general waste.
You can also lead by example with eco-friendly touches throughout the property, like reusable shopping bags, refillable bottles, or compostable bin liners. These small cues reinforce the message that sustainability matters, and that their efforts are appreciated.
What to do if you have excess waste?
If your holiday let is generating more waste than usual, especially during peak season, it’s important to have a plan in place. First, check your commercial waste contract to see if you can increase the frequency of collections or request additional bins. Most licensed waste providers offer flexible services to suit busy periods.
Avoid overloading bins, as this can lead to missed collections or attract pests. If bins are already full, don’t leave bags next to them, this could result in fines from the local council. Instead, arrange an extra collection or take the waste to a licensed commercial recycling centre (not a household site).
Make sure guests know how to manage their rubbish, especially if they’re staying for longer periods. Providing extra bin liners, clear instructions, and backup containers can help prevent overflow.
In the long term, reducing waste at the source, by offering refillable products, limiting packaging, and encouraging better recycling, can help avoid excess altogether. A proactive approach keeps your property clean, legal, and guest-friendly.
Staying up to date with local waste updates
To keep your holiday let compliant and running smoothly, it’s important to stay informed about any changes to local waste and recycling rules. Start by subscribing to your local council’s email alerts or newsletters, most councils offer regular updates on bin collection schedules, recycling changes, and new regulations for businesses.
Make a habit of checking the council website every few months, especially before busy seasons. This is where you’ll find updates on things like recycling policies, waste separation requirements, or changes to commercial waste services. Some councils also post updates on social media, so it’s worth following their pages.
If you use a licensed commercial waste provider, they’ll often send out reminders or advice on how to stay compliant, so keep an eye on their communications too. It’s also a good idea to review your waste contract annually to make sure it still meets your needs.
By staying informed, you’ll avoid potential fines, reduce confusion for guests, and ensure your waste management stays efficient, legal, and environmentally friendly.
Need a Helping Hand?
Managing waste properly is an essential part of running a successful holiday let in Wales.
With new regulations in place, all holiday lets must now separate recycling, use licensed commercial waste carriers, and follow strict duty of care rules. Staying informed about local council updates, providing clear bin instructions for guests, and choosing eco-friendly practices can all make waste management easier, cleaner, and fully compliant. It not only protects the beautiful Welsh environment but also enhances your guests’ experience and supports your reputation as a responsible host.
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