Council could charge AirBnB landlords EXTRA to empty bins

Edinburgh City Council is reportedly considering whether to charge short-term lets, like an AirBnB, an additional fee to have their bins emptied.

The idea follows some local authorities in England who have charged additional fees for local waste teams to empty the bins at short-term lets or arrange commercial waste disposal.

The latest plans to tackle the disruption of short-term lets in the Scottish capital will be considered at the council's environment committee. 

There have been concerns about the volume of rubbish produced by short-term lets in central Edinburgh.

Scott Arthur, who is responsible for the environmental portfolio in Edinburgh, said: “Following feedback from residents, council officers are currently looking at whether or not short-term let businesses can be charged for waste collections from their properties.

“As Edinburgh’s vibrant short-term let sector transitions into a robustly regulated and better-managed operation, it’s important that we reflect on the past problems and deal with any negative issues.

“One of these issues has been the impact of waste generated from these properties on household waste bins.

“Working with operators on waste management will be an opportunity to both increase recycling and improve street cleanliness, this benefits them and our capital.”