Residential waste service is an important part of keeping our homes, neighborhoods, and communities clean and healthy. Whether you're a homeowner or a renter, it's important to understand the different types of waste services available, the benefits of each, and the costs associated with them.

This comprehensive guide will provide all the information you need to make an informed decision about the best waste service for you. From curbside collection to drop-off centers, we'll explain the different types of waste services available and the environmental benefits they can provide.

We'll also detail the costs associated with each type of service and provide helpful tips on how to reduce your waste and make the most of your residential waste service. With this guide, you'll have all the information you need to find the right waste service for your home.

Different Types of Residential Waste Service

Residential waste service can be broken down into three main categories: curbside collection, drop-off centers, and bulky item pickup. The types of waste services available in your community will depend on the type of waste management contract you have with your municipality.

Curbside collection is the most common residential waste service. It involves picking up waste from the curb of residential properties, typically with a special vehicle that separates recyclables and organics from regular waste. Drop-off centers are convenient locations that allow residents to bring their waste to be properly disposed of.

This service is usually provided for larger items, like broken appliances and furniture. Bulky item pickup is a special service for large, non-recyclable items, like furniture, appliances, and more. It’s typically offered as part of a monthly curbside pickup or as a stand-alone service.

a. Curbside Collection

Curbside collection is the most common type of residential waste service. It involves collecting waste from residential properties by dumping it into a specially designed truck and then transporting it to a processing facility.

This type of service is usually provided by a public utility or a private waste management company that’s contracted with a municipality to provide waste services.

If you live in a neighborhood that has curbside collection for residential waste, you won’t have to transport your waste to a drop-off center or a dumpster. Instead, you can place your waste out for collection on a regular schedule and know that it’s being properly disposed of.

b. Drop-off Centers

Drop-off centers are centralized facilities that allow residents to bring a wide array of waste items, like broken appliances and furniture, for proper disposal. This service is usually provided by a private waste management company or government agency and is not offered in all cities.

Drop-off centers are often located near high-traffic areas, like highways and major thoroughfares, making them convenient for residents to visit. Drop-off centers are commonly used for larger items, like broken furniture and appliances.

Smaller items, like food scraps and paper, are sometimes accepted, but they must be placed in a special container or bag so they don’t contaminate the rest of the waste.

c. Bulky Item Pickup

Bulky item pickup is a special type of residential waste service for large non-recyclable items, like furniture and appliances, that can’t be collected using other methods.

This service uses a special vehicle equipped with a lifting tool to pick up large items from residential properties. Unlike drop-off centers, bulky item pickup can be done at any time of day, making it an ideal solution for people who work long hours.

Benefits of Residential Waste Service

The benefits of residential waste service are many. First, it helps keep neighborhoods and communities clean and safe. It also protects wildlife and the environment by reducing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

Finally, it provides valuable materials that can be reused or recycled, reducing the need to extract more resources from the earth. Most waste management services can be used to collect organics, which can then be composted or turned into biogas.

Composting is a natural process of decomposition that uses microorganisms to break down organic materials like food scraps, paper, yard waste, and other plant-based materials. Composting is one of the best ways to reduce waste and divert it from landfills.

Costs Associated with Residential Waste Service

While residential waste service has many benefits, it also comes with a cost. Residential waste service is typically charged as a flat rate per household, regardless of whether one person lives in the home or a family of five. The cost of residential waste service varies from city to city and even from neighborhood to neighborhood.

It’s important to keep in mind that the cost of waste service is not set in stone. You can reduce your waste service costs by reducing the amount of waste you produce. There are several factors that determine the cost of residential waste service, including the type of service you receive, the size of your household, the number of people living in your home, whether you have a garage, and whether you live in a multi-family building.

The type of waste service you choose can also significantly impact the cost. For example, if you use a curbside collection service and you produce less waste than average, you may see a price increase.

Tips for Reducing Your Waste

Reducing the amount of waste you produce is one of the best ways to lower your waste service costs. Before you sign up for a new waste service, you should first take steps to reduce your current waste. Here are a few tips to help you reduce waste and save money with your next residential waste service.

Buy Less: When you buy less stuff, you produce less waste. One of the best ways to reduce waste is to buy fewer products in general. That way, you won’t have to throw them out and replace them as often.

Shop Secondhand: When you shop at thrift stores and other secondhand retailers, you’re not only reducing your waste but also supporting organizations doing good in your community.

Buy In-Season Produce When you buy produce that’s in season, you’re less likely to throw it out before it’s eaten. That way, you won’t have to deal with rotting food in the back of your fridge.

Set Up a Compost Bin: If you are able to set up a compost bin in your backyard or near your kitchen, you can divert food scraps and paper that would otherwise end up in the trash.

Conclusion

Residential waste service is an important part of keeping our communities clean and safe. It benefits the environment by reducing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Most waste management services can be used to collect organics, which can then be composted or turned into biogas.

Reducing the amount of waste you produce is one of the best ways to lower your waste service costs. When you shop secondhand, buy in-season produce, and set up a compost bin, you’ll produce less waste and save money.

References:

1-Economic Efficiency Effects of Alternative Policies for Reducing Waste Disposal

https://doi.org/10.1006/jeem.1993.1046

2-A life cycle assessment of residential waste management and prevention

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11367-014-0767-5