Finding the right refuse collection solution for your home or business does not need to be a difficult or messy process. Your local council or environmental authority should offer a number of services for both refuse disposal and recycling, and there are a number of private refuse collection companies which can also provide cost-effective and safe disposal solutions even for difficult to handle and hazardous waste.
Local Collection Services
It is important to know which sorts of garbage can be disposed of by your regular collection service, and which items and waste need to be collected by a specialized company or division. Most areas have a curb-collection program on a weekly or semi-weekly basis. These services generally collect biodegradable waste from the kitchen and garden, as well as some plastics, glass and metals. Most councils require you to place your refuse in a nominated bin, container or bag, and to have your refuse ready for collection prior to the arrival of the truck, or Waste Collection Vehicle (WCV).
If you are new to the area or are moving away, local councils also offer a Moving In-Out special service, which allows you to request an extra pick-up of refuse to account for the excess rubbish associated with packing and cleaning. Some areas of the US and Canada are now trialing an automated collection process, which constitutes a chute vacuum system that connects homes and businesses to processing facilities, removing the need for a curb-side collection.