By Ellis Ranger

Holiday let owners are under fire for not giving holiday-goers enough information about waste disposal. They should have a waste management contract in place and not be breaking the terms of it.

With the rise of AirBnB and a boom in the rental of UK holiday homes, self-catering waste remains a big issue. But why has this been such a problem? And what is being done to stamp it out for good?

Trouble in Tenby

In the coastal town of Tenby, Wales, councillors have complained to Pembrokeshire’s Head of Environmental Services following reports of holidaymakers having to use street bins to dispose of their waste. The issue might not seem that bad at face value as bins are being used as opposed to waste being fly-tipped. But the issue is big because guests from several B&B’s are putting rubbish in street bins. Inevitably, they have overflowed.

Because they are businesses, the owners of the holiday lets don’t pay council tax. However, without a trade waste agreement in place, their business waste is not being handled properly. This also means that if they’re claiming business rates relief, they shouldn’t be. One local councillor has urged holiday let owners to tell their occupants how to correctly get rid of their personal rubbish and provide a means of doing so. She pointed out that people who rent out accommodation should have proper trade waste agreements. 

This is backed up by a 2012 law which says that holiday lets and self-catered accommodation does qualify as a business and have to pay for commercial waste removal. It might even be that some owners who already have waste management contracts are being let down by occupants who aren’t following their rules. 

Tackling the issue

So what can holiday let owners do about the issue? Owners of properties and letting agencies are advised to contact their local council. They will put them in contact with a local waste contractor who can arrange fees and collection days.

If you have accommodation waste or just need rubbish removing from your home, get in touch with CBS Waste. Contact us today for a quote on 01480 220434 or email info@cbs-waste.org.