Free template · updated November 3, 2026

Trash and recycling instructions for guests (template)

Sorting rules change from town to town, so guests honestly don't know whether pizza boxes or coffee cups go in recycling at your place. Clear labels on the indoor bins solve most of it.

This template tells guests where each bin is, what goes in it, what to do when one fills up, and that you'll handle collection day. It keeps checkout simple: sort into the indoor bins and that's it. If you're in bear or raccoon country, there's an optional section explaining your outdoor bin.

The template

Replace anything in [brackets] with your own details.

Where things go

Garbage: [Garbage bin location]
Recycling: [Recycling bin location]. It takes [Accepted recycling, e.g. clean cans, plastic bottles, cartons, paper and flattened boxes].
Food scraps: [Organics bin location, or delete this line]. See our composting notes for what goes in.
Bottle returns: [Deposit return note, or delete this line]
Extra bags: [Bag location]

Sorting tips

A quick rinse of jars and cans keeps the bins from smelling.
If you're not sure, please put it in the garbage rather than recycling.
Batteries, propane cylinders and broken glass shouldn't go in any bin. Leave them at [Spot for odd items] and we'll deal with them.

When a bin is full

Tie off the bag and leave it [Where full bags go, e.g. beside the bin in the pantry]. Fresh bags are in [Bag location]. You don't need to take anything outside.

Collection day

Collection is on [Collection day]. We look after the outdoor bins and the curb, so you don't need to.

Local exception: wildlife (delete if it doesn't apply)

We're in an area with [Wildlife, e.g. bears]. Garbage left on a porch or deck draws them close to the house, which is dangerous for them and for you. So that's the one thing we ask: please put tied garbage bags in the locked [Wildlife-proof bin] at [Bin location] the same day, and close the latch [How the latch works]. Please never leave food or garbage outside or in a car.

At checkout

Please sort your trash and recycling into the indoor bins. That's all, thank you.

Tips

Label each indoor bin with words and a picture; guests sort far better when it's obvious.
Leave plenty of spare bags for long stays and bigger groups.
Don't ask guests to haul bins to the curb or the dump; arrange that with your cleaner.
If you need guests to use an outdoor wildlife-proof bin, explain why and make the latch easy to work.
Write your town's actual recycling list into the template rather than a generic one.

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 take out the garbage?

Under Airbnb's house rules policy from 20 November 2026, guests shouldn't be asked to take garbage to the curb, the dump or off-site. Ask them to sort it into the indoor bins instead; a local need such as a bear-proof bin can be a reasonable exception if you explain it.

How do I explain recycling rules to guests?

List what your town actually accepts on a label on the bin, and tell guests that if in doubt it goes in the garbage. Rules vary a lot between places.

What if my rental is in bear country?

Explain the reason, show exactly where the wildlife-proof bin is and how it latches, and ask guests never to leave food or garbage outside or in a car.

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https://keegix.com/house-manual/trash-and-recycling/