Well, Trudy, you're probably right about people not valuing something they don't pay for. My husband got pneumonia and so we had to stay several days and nights resting in the albergue in Vilar de Bario. Very few pilgrims came through there on those days, but most notably, no one else from the community did either! I ended up being hospitalera and emptying garbage, cleaning bathrooms, washing floors, airing out dorms, etc. I think everyone just sort of innocently leaves in the morning secure in the knowledge that "someone" is going to come in and do it. Well, they don't! They do, however, leave lots of cleaning supplies.
So just a word of advice - Where you don't see anyone in charge of an alberque, take the garbage out in the morning (REALLY! It stinks!) and clean whatever you can for the next peregrinos coming through. It just takes a few minutes and makes a world of difference to those arriving that day.
Peace.
lynne