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Hotel Waste Management
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Hotel waste collection and disposal
Managing waste collection and disposal in the hotel industry requires a strategic approach.
Here are essential practices for efficient hotel waste management, focusing on environmental compliance, sustainability, and seamless integration into daily operations.
We cover the following subjects in detail:
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Cost efficiency
Compare waste providers to find the most affordable option that fits your hotel’s waste types, amounts and service schedule.
Sustainability
Partner with a waste collection firm that aligns with your hotel’s sustainability goals to enhance your hotel’s public image and appeal to eco-conscious consumers.
Reliability and customer service
Partner with reliable waste management providers that offer excellent customer service and dependable daily collections of your hotel waste.
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In this section, our waste experts summarise the typical types of waste streams produced by a hotel and the commercial waste collection services that can be used to dispose of each.
General waste
General waste in hotels encompasses non-recyclable rubbish generated from room cleaning, kitchen activities, and disposing of worn-out items like sheets.
Food waste
Commercial food waste in hotels encompasses leftovers, unused ingredients, and preparation scraps from cafes, guest rooms, and restaurants.
Glass waste
Glass bottles collected from guest rooms and the hotel bar can be fully recycled at British facilities with a dedicated glass recycling service.
Cardboard waste
A dedicated weekly cardboard recycling service is the most cost-effective way for hotels to dispose of cardboard that comes with deliveries of goods and supplies.
Mixed recyclables
The hotel recycling stream targets the segregation and collection of recyclable materials such as paper, plastic shampoo bottles, shower caps and other commonly recycled items.
Sanitary waste
A dedicated sanitary waste and washroom service helps maintain a hygienic environment in guest rooms and staff toilets, and prevents issues with toilet blockages.
Waste minimisation strategies for hotels
The best way for hotels to manage waste is simply not to generate it in the first place. Our waste experts present the top ways for hotels to minimise waste generation.
Optimise food ordering
By monitoring food consumption patterns, hotels can align purchase orders with actual needs, significantly reducing waste from unused ingredients.
Procurement policy
Adopting a sustainable procurement policy involves selecting products made from recycled materials and choosing suppliers committed to taking back packaging.
Donation of used items
Donating gently used items (in good condition), such as linens, furniture, and electronics, to local charities or organisations is a sustainable practice that prevents useful items from being discarded.
Hotel bins: Types and strategic placement
Efficient waste management is crucial for hotels to maintain cleanliness, comply with regulations, and demonstrate environmental responsibility.
The strategic placement and selection of commercial waste bins are vital in achieving these goals. Our experts present best practice for hotels.
General Waste Bins
Placement: Found in guest rooms, lobbies, and back office areas.
Common materials: Non-recyclable packaging, wrappers, used napkins, and any waste that doesn’t fit into recyclable or specialised categories.
Reason: To collect the bulk of waste generated by guests and staff that cannot be easily recycled, minimising litter and maintaining cleanliness.
Recycling Bins
Placement: Located in guest rooms, conference areas, dining facilities, and staff areas.
Common materials: Paper, cardboard, plastics, cans, and glass bottles.
Reason: To encourage separating recyclable materials from general waste, reduce landfill use, and support the hotel’s sustainability efforts.
Food Waste Bins
Placement: Primarily in kitchens and dining areas.
Common materials: Leftover food scraps, expired ingredients, and kitchen prep waste.
Reason: To separate organic waste for composting or bioenergy production, reduce general waste volumes, and contribute to the hotel’s sustainability goals.
Glass Recycling Bins
Placement: Bars, dining areas, and sometimes in event spaces.
Common materials: Beer and wine bottles and jars.
Reason: Segregating away from DMR reduces cross-contamination to maximise recycling
E-Waste Bins
Placement: Typically found in the maintenance areas or outside waste storage for hotels.
Common materials: Used batteries, old electronics like mobile phones, and small appliances.
Reason: To safely dispose of or recycle electronic waste, prevent toxic substances from contaminating landfills, and recover valuable materials.
Sanitary waste bins
Placement: In guest bathrooms, female public toilets and staff toilets.
Common materials: Sanitary napkins, tampons, incontinence pads and nappies.
Reason: To maintain a clean and odour-free bathroom environment.
Food waste management in hotels
The WRAP report on The Business Case for Reducing Food Loss and Waste: Hotels provides compelling evidence that reducing food waste in hotels is environmentally responsible and financially beneficial.
Analysing data from 42 hotel sites across 15 countries, the study reveals that, on average, hotels saw a sevenfold financial return for every pound invested in food waste reduction.
The report provides the following specific recommendations for reducing food waste generation in hotels:
- Rethink buffets: Buffets are often significant sources of food waste. Strategies to manage buffet waste include using smaller serving utensils, regularly refreshing small amounts of food, to encourage guests to take smaller portions.
- Engage staff: Train staff on best practices for reducing food waste, including proper storage, inventory management, and creative reuse of leftovers.
- Donate excess food: Partner with local charities to donate edible food that is not sold or used. This not only reduces waste but also supports community welfare.
- Compost food waste: Composting is a viable option for inedible food waste. It reduces the volume of waste sent to landfills and can enrich soil in hotel gardens or green spaces.
Hotel waste management FAQs
Our waste experts answer common questions surrounding hotel waste management.
How can hotels incorporate waste management into their corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs?
Hotels can incorporate waste management into their CSR programs by adopting sustainable waste reduction, recycling, and disposal practices that align with environmental stewardship goals.
Initiatives can include implementing comprehensive recycling programs, reducing food waste through donation and composting, engaging in responsible sourcing that minimises packaging, and investing in energy-efficient and waste-reducing technologies.
These practices reduce the carbon emissions associated with commercial waste as well as the broader environmental impact.
How is hotel waste managed at popular UK tourist destinations?
According to research by Visit Britain, the most popular locations for overnight trips at hotels were:
- Greater London (14.4 million)
- Greater Manchester (4.2 million)
- Cornwall (4.0 million)
- Birmingham (3.8 million)
- North Yorkshire (3.6 million)
The commercial waste services available in UK cities depend on the collections offered by local waste firms and the local council.
Click on the locations above for the best local waste providers, or visit our locations page for a complete list of our local guides.