Best Practice Waste Management Solutions In Property Management
Guest Contributor: Richard Roberts, Schambs Property Management
As a property manager, you have several roles and responsibilities. These include advertising the property, searching for tenants, renter’s screening, preparing lease agreements, evictions, maintenance and so on. The list of roles you have to play is almost endless.
One aspect of property management that many managers often dread to deal with is waste management. Irrespective of the nature of the property you supervise, waste management is essential. Failure to provide appropriate solutions for waste management will negatively impact your property.
Some property managers try to avoid waste management because of the complexities involved. However, it should not be for them alone. They need to work with all the stakeholders, including managing agents, tenants and landlords. Everyone has specific roles to play according to their goals.
Although there are several challenges, you can implement several waste management solutions to tackle these issues. In this article, we will discuss best practice waste management solutions in property management. These solutions will help improve your tenant’s quality of life, protect the environment and reduce your workload.
Best practice waste management solutions for property managers
Be knowledgeABLE about the property and the waste it generates
Different properties generate various types of trash. Even in the same property, you have unique tenants and their waste needs may not be the same. Waste may vary in volume, category and methods of disposal depending on whether the property is residential or commercial. Properties that merge the two, such as downtown residential high-rises that have retail outlets on the lower floors, can be especially difficult to manage. Among commercial properties, waste further differs among shops, offices, restaurants, etc….
Understanding the building you manage and the resources generated can help you design the appropriate solution to keep your property clean. Each building has specific needs and requirements depending on the type of tenants. For that reason, it would be best to identify the type and volume of waste that your tenants generate. It is the first and most essential step in effectively managing waste management solutions.
When you know what you are dealing with, you can then plan on the designated waste disposal location, type of trash bins, frequency of emptying and the methods of disposal. If you find it problematic to design this, you can seek professional advice. They will assess the property and advise you on the areas that require improvements and how to handle them.
Engage every stakeholder
Effective waste management involves everyone. You can not successfully manage waste on your property without engaging your tenants. There are several reasons you need to engage them.
Your tenants are responsible for generating the waste and they may be searching for ways to achieve a sustainable environment.
They will feel the impact of both odious trash bins and the adverse health effects. For these reasons, your tenants will be happy to know that you care about their wellbeing by involving them in waste management decisions.
When you engage your tenants, you learn about their lifestyle, as well as the nature, type and volume of waste they generate most. You can educate them about the process and they will make inputs on the best way to improve their living conditions and sustainability. Inform them about the resources available for recycling and what they stand to benefit when they get involved.
Optimize waste disposal routes
It does not end with assessing your property and involving the tenants. The next step is to optimize waste disposal and recycling routes. Make sure you have clear signage on the present trash and recycling bins. Ensure that you improve the separation of waste from the source.
You can promote this by using color coding according to your neighborhood’s system. Doing so can boost the acceptance of proper disposal, collection and recycling of waste. In addition, you will be compliant with the recycling laws and waste disposal routes of your area.
Leverage technology
Waste management is evolving. As a result, there are new technologies aimed at tracking or reporting waste generation and distribution. These technologies can provide you with the necessary data or tools for identifying how to reduce waste and where to deliver them so that you can achieve your goals for a sustainable environment.
The reports are regular and will offer you an overview of your property’s requirements. You will also know where your house needs improvements.
Spend more time on the site
It can be beneficial to spend time on the site or appoint a “waste guru” even after setting up the best waste management solutions. Onsite waste management will help to monitor all the stages of waste management. In addition, you can educate tenants about proper waste management practices. It will also help reduce waste and obtain feedback from your stakeholders.
The bottom line
Although waste management can be challenging in rental properties, there are best practices that will help you provide solutions. You can hire the services of professionals who will assist you in reaching your goals to achieve a sustainable environment.
About TriStar Solutions Group
TriStar Solutions Group is a Nashville based business that develops innovative solutions for property managers, businesses and neighborhoods seeking smarter and more affordable waste and recycling programs.
Learn more about our services and schedule a no cost waste audit by clicking Get Started.
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