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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