Free template · updated November 3, 2026

Composting instructions for guests (template)

Guests are often happy to compost; they just don't know your rules. Some green bins take meat and bones, a backyard pile usually doesn't, and a few rules differ again for areas with bears or raccoons.

This template lists what goes in and what stays out, where the kitchen caddy and liners are, what to do when the caddy fills, and an optional line on wildlife. Guests only ever sort scraps into the indoor caddy; emptying it is up to you or your cleaner.

The template

Replace anything in [brackets] with your own details.

What goes in the food scrap caddy

Fruit and vegetable peels and scraps
Coffee grounds and paper filters
Tea leaves and [Tea bag note, e.g. paper tea bags]
Eggshells
[Extra items your system takes, e.g. bread, rice and pasta / meat, fish and bones]

Please keep out

[Items not accepted, e.g. meat, fish, bones, dairy and greasy food]
Plastic, even if it says compostable, unless [Compostable plastic rule]
Pet waste, cat litter and diapers
Anything that's been in the garbage

Where it is

The caddy is [Caddy location]. Liners are in [Liner location]. Please use [Liner type, e.g. paper bags or certified compostable liners only].
Keep the lid closed to stop smells and fruit flies.

When the caddy is full

[Full caddy option, e.g. Tie the liner and leave it beside the caddy, and we'll take care of it. Or, if you'd like to, you can tip it into the backyard compost bin at Location.]

Wildlife (delete if it doesn't apply)

Our area has [Wildlife]. Please keep the caddy inside and the lid closed, and never leave food scraps outdoors.

At checkout

Just leave the caddy where it is. We'll empty it. Thanks for helping us keep food out of the garbage!

Tips

Say whether your system is a town green bin or a backyard pile, because what's accepted is very different.
Leave a caddy with a tight lid and a stock of liners; guests won't compost if it smells.
Empty the caddy between every stay so the next guest starts fresh.
Make emptying into an outdoor bin optional for guests, not a checkout task.
In bear country, keep compost indoors or in a wildlife-proof container.

Put it on one guest page instead of a binder

Keegix turns your welcome book into one link and a QR sign by the door. Upload the binder you already have and AI drafts the page in about a minute, or paste this template in. Free forever for one property.

Upload my binder, free See a sample guest page

Questions

Can I ask Airbnb guests to compost?

Yes, asking guests to sort food scraps into an indoor caddy is a reasonable request. Emptying it outside or off-site should be your or your cleaner's job.

What can't go in a home compost bin?

Meat, fish, bones, dairy, oils and pet waste usually stay out of a backyard pile because they smell and attract animals. A town green bin may accept more, so check your local list.

How do I stop compost smelling in a rental?

Use a caddy with a sealed lid, line it, and empty it between stays. A sprinkle of baking soda or a layer of newspaper also helps.

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https://keegix.com/house-manual/composting/