Tips & Advice
How much does trash pickup usually cost?
The cost of trash pickup often depends on the size of the garbage container and whether the service is being handled by the city or a private company. The monthly rate for weekly pickup of a 48- gallon garbage container can run around $20 if this service is handled by a local municipality, while pickup for a 96-gallon cart can cost roughly $22. Rates are often higher when working with a private company.
A compost cart is used for the pickup of compostable items. The list of compostable items includes yard debris, such as branches and plant trimmings; a wide variety of food products, including everything from baked goods to poultry to fruits, grains, and sauces; non-recyclable paper products such as used paper plates and cups; and miscellaneous items, such as cotton balls, hair, and wooden toothpicks.
Can trash be placed out on the curb in bags?
Trash should always be placed in a trash container when possible. However, if you have more trash than you're able to fit into your trash container, some trash pickup companies will accept the trash if it is bagged and placed next to the full container. Many trash pickup companies will accept up to five extra bags at no charge.
What is the most common residential trash container size?
The most common residential trash container size is 96 gallons. A 96-gallon container is large enough to meet the needs of the average family, and it's generally able to handle weekly collection cycles without overflow. This is the largest residential trash container that a garbage truck's automated side loader can accommodate.
Should paint cans be placed in regular trash bins?
Paint cans should not be placed in regular trash bins. Paint and paint thinners can be hazardous to the environment, and these items require special handling when it comes to disposal. If you have paint cans that need to be disposed off, call your trash pickup company to make special arrangement to have them removed.
Do trash pickup services collect construction waste?
Construction waste such as tiles, insulation, nails, electrical wiring, roofing, concrete, gypsum wallboard, shingles, bricks, and large quantities of wood are generally not accepted for curbside trash pickup. However, you might be able to contact your trash pickup company to schedule collection of these materials.
What items are not accepted in bulk trash pickup?
Many cities don't accept certain items in bulk trash pickup. These include automotive parts, lawn trimmings, construction material, and commercial waste or cardboard. Also, hazardous waste is not accepted, and this includes items such as fluorescent lights, paints, and medicine.
What is considered bulk trash?
Any item that is too large or unwieldy to be disposed of in your home's curbside trash bin is considered bulk trash. This can include furniture such as mattresses and couches and appliances such as refrigerators. You can make arrangements with your local sanitation department to have them remove certain types of bulk trash.
What type of materials can be placed in the yard waste bin?
You can place green waste, such as grass clippings, leaves, weeds, and tree branches in your yard waste bin. Branches should be no longer than 4 feet in length and no more than 2 inches in diameter. All green waste must be able to fit securely in your yard waste bin.
What type of items can be placed in the recycling trash bin?
Paper and cardboard products, such as juice cartons, milk cartons, newspapers, magazines, and phone books can be placed in your recycling trash bin. Glass products such as bottles, mirrors, and jars may be included, along with metal products such as drink cans, aluminum foil, and pots and pans. Different municipalities have different rules regarding which items they will accept for recycling, so get in touch with your local trash pickup company to see what the guidelines are in your area.
