we are switching trash-service providers

[momophile]

My husband and I just made the switch. We did some research and found out that the company we were using takes our recycling out of our county, which means away from the largely county-paid-for recycling facility. By switching, we are not only keeping the money local, but we are also supporting the company that doesn't drive as far. Sadly, our old provider still makes trips to our street, but maybe we can talk to neighbors about switching too so we can eliminate one truck a week on our cul-de-sac (which also would cost the city less street repairs in the future).

I realize that a lot of the country doesn't have a choice with the trash company they use, but for those of us that do this is one more way to make a difference.

[CabalPowered]

1. A good buddy of mine owns a local trash company

Funny story actually. The family owned a hauler service for 30 years and had a near monopoly on the waste hauling in the area. They're good employers, good wages, retirement, etc. A big corp came in and offered a sum that couldn't be refused. So they signed the deal, which included a 10 year non-compete provision. They took the cash, and the day after the non-compete was up, started another company under another brand. The old company has since been bought and sold four times and is a complete wreck. One of their new drivers just killed someone in a collision, they're loosing muni contracts, residential and commercial customers. In some areas they've stopped picking up trash altogether. They project that in three more years, they will have the same number of subscribers as when they sold the first company.

[Doctor Cynic]

2. The regional garbage system here

apparently ships waste paper, glass, and metals to China to be recycled...it's been a sore point with too many people, for obvious reasons.