Execution Challenges Emerge as Operators Launch Doorstep Valet Trash Programs in Their Properties

When it comes to doorstep valet trash programs, everything appears to be rather clear. But once property managers start considering how such programs can work in a bustling apartment community, a range of challenges of implementation becomes clear.

Each apartment property is unique and different. There are differences in building layouts, resident behaviors and procedures which can make an easy process into an exercise for the managers to solve. It appears to be crucial to take all those factors into account to implement the program.

First, it is important to deal with the management of hallways and to develop expectations of residents concerning putting the waste out at certain time. Otherwise, the program which was created for the residents' convenience may lead to additional inconvenience.

Communication is another factor which becomes crucial in terms of managing the process. People have different expectations regarding the schedule of picking up waste and appropriate practices. Sometimes property managers realize that the success of the service depends on resident participation as much as on that of the collection company.

It is necessary to pay close attention to the process of implementation even if it is outsourced to third party. On-site team will have to solve some issues which emerge because of residents' actions in case of non-compliance with the procedure.

Vendor management becomes another issue which must be taken into account. Once collection of the waste becomes part of the resident experience, it means that any problems related to it may be perceived negatively by them.

Standardization of the procedure of implementation becomes a challenge for operators. Procedures which worked successfully in one location may appear inappropriate in another community due to its peculiarities. So flexibility may become crucial here rather than the ability to apply the same procedure in all locations.

Convenience programs appear to require continuous oversight on the part of managers. It may mean that adjustments in communication, picking-up procedures and resident policies should be made after implementing the program.

None of these issues makes the idea of providing doorstep valet trash services less attractive for the operators. It becomes obvious that any amenity has to be implemented correctly. And the discussed program is placed between resident convenience and property execution.

With increasing number of communities trying to use this service, the conversation is expected to shift from discussing it to implementation issues. Convenience may seem attractive for many, but successful execution is what really counts.