Today Was Garbage Day!
Unlike many people, we do not have regular garbage pickup.
That is to say, we have chosen to opt out of having garbage collection, because it just doesn't seem like almost US $90 a month (once you add in all the taxes and random fees) is worth it.
Here in our town it is mandatory to have weekly pickup, regardless of whether or not you actually need weekly pickup.
We don't.
We compost a lot of waste, and we recycle paper, plastics, metal and glass... so actual waste is relatively limited.
So, we have four large garbage bins in the garage, which we gradually fill, and about every 3-4 months I take the garbage to the local dump myself, which typically ends up costing between $35-$50 for four months, vs. $90 for one month.
As far as I am concerned, it's a no-brainer.
So, garbage day means I toss all the already bagged trash into the truck, round up any other loose bits we need to get rid of and head for our local dump. There was a rather long wait today because one of the facility's compacting machines was out of service.
I'm sure our local homeowners association would have a fit if they knew that we didn't have trash service, but what they don't know won't hurt them!
I suppose many people might find this whole thing slightly crazy, but it's just part of what you have to do in a world where the cost of everything threatens to drive people out of house and home.
Speaking of which, the local dump is not helping... recently they jacked the price of a minimal load of yard waste from $5 to $20... as a result of which we are keeping our brush to burn later, instead of hauling it in.
I remember talking to someone I know who works for the city — shortly after the price hike — and mentioning that people would just start keeping their garden waste, which he didn't believe would happen.
Six months later, it's precisely what has happened.
Burn bans haven't done much to deter people either. People simply can't afford a lot of basic services, anymore.
We're always looking for ways save a few dollars, and that will likely continue for the rest of our lives.
Thanks for stopping by, and have a great remainder of your week!
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Created at 2025.09.11 02:02 PST
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We burn what we can't compost or recycle, though it is illegal here and can get you a year in jail.
We now save our stuff that has to be burned for winter, and only burn it (slowly) in our patio metal fire pit... which "sort of" gets around the ban on "uncontrolled" fires.
At least you got to enjoy the rainbow during your chore!
Indeed! Gotta be grateful for the small things!
I have a trash shed and go about every 2 - 3 months as I also recycle as much as possible. There is pickup once a week on our road (not mandatory) but it is wicked expensive. When I go, our full size pickup bed is usually full. That includes the recycling.
I have a bank to the swamp on the north side of our property and for the last 42 years have tossed all our waste we don't compost over it. I can't imagine not having a bank if you are a gardener...
I'm just glad nobody has noticed that this house hasn't had trash pickup for about 12 years!
We have a 60 foot long mound where all the yard waste ends up. At any given time, only about 15 feet is active, and that's where the yard waste goes. it's takes about 8-10 years to make some great organic matter for the garden. Since the price hike for yard waste, I've started a sort of "Hügelkultur* project at one end, as a way to break down branches and larger pieces of wood.
I think it's a better option, not only because of the savings but also because we are more aware of recycling our waste to decontaminate the planet. Regards.
You make a good point! We very much try to be mindful of our waste, and make the actual trash part of it as small as possible... and that begins with looking at the containers of many of the things we purchase.
Thank you!