Curbside trash pickup is a necessary service for households and businesses, ensuring that waste is collected and disposed of properly. While most people rely on their local waste management provider, the cost of curbside trash collection can vary significantly depending on several factors, including location, service frequency, and additional fees.
Understanding how pricing works can help individuals and businesses budget effectively and explore potential ways to reduce costs. This guide breaks down the cost of curbside trash pickup, the factors that influence pricing, and tips for managing expenses.
Average Cost of Curbside Trash Collection
The cost of curbside trash collection varies based on region, service provider, and the type of service selected. On average, households can expect to pay between $20 and $80 per month for weekly trash pickup.
Cost Breakdown by Service Type:
- Basic weekly trash collection – $20 to $50 per month
- Curbside recycling services – $10 to $30 per month (often bundled with trash service)
- Yard waste collection – $10 to $25 per month (optional in some areas)
- Bulk item pickup – $10 to $50 per item (for large furniture, appliances, or mattresses)
For commercial properties or multi-unit residences, costs can range from $100 to $500 per month, depending on the size of the dumpster and pickup frequency.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Curbside Trash Pickup
Several key factors determine the cost of curbside trash collection, including location, waste volume, and service provider policies.
1. Geographic Location
Trash collection costs vary significantly by city, county, and state due to differences in landfill fees, environmental regulations, and transportation costs.
- Urban areas tend to have higher collection costs due to increased demand and stricter disposal regulations.
- Rural areas may have fewer service providers, leading to limited competition and higher rates.
- State and local policies influence pricing, with some municipalities offering government-subsidized waste collection.
2. Frequency of Service
Most households receive weekly curbside trash pickup, but some areas offer multiple pickups per week for an additional fee. Less frequent service may be available at a reduced rate.
- Weekly pickup (standard service) – Included in most basic plans.
- Bi-weekly or monthly pickup – May be an option for smaller households or seasonal properties.
- Additional pickups – Some providers charge extra for extra pickups during holidays or special occasions.
3. Type and Size of Trash Bins
Different bin sizes are available to accommodate varying waste disposal needs. The size of the bin you choose affects your monthly rate.
| Bin Size | Common Uses | Monthly Cost Estimate |
| 35-gallon bin | Small households, light waste | $20 – $40 |
| 64-gallon bin | Medium-sized households | $30 – $50 |
| 96-gallon bin | Large households, heavy waste | $40 – $80 |
For businesses or apartment complexes, dumpsters are used instead of residential bins, with pricing based on dumpster size and pickup frequency.
4. Landfill and Disposal Fees
Once trash is collected, it is taken to a landfill or transfer station for processing. Landfill fees, also known as tipping fees, are charged per ton of waste and vary by state.
- National average landfill tipping fee: $50 – $75 per ton
- States with higher landfill fees: California, Massachusetts, Vermont
- States with lower landfill fees: South Carolina, Mississippi, Idaho
If landfill fees increase, trash collection costs often rise as well.
5. Recycling and Waste Diversion Programs
Many areas encourage recycling as a way to reduce landfill waste. Some providers bundle recycling services with curbside trash collection, while others charge extra for separate bins.
- Single-stream recycling (one bin for all recyclables) – Common in urban areas, included in many basic plans.
- Dual-stream recycling (separating paper, plastic, and glass) – May require an additional monthly fee.
- Composting programs – Some cities offer compost collection for organic waste, which can add $10 to $20 per month to the total cost.
While recycling can sometimes lower waste management costs, contamination in recycling bins can lead to higher processing fees.
6. Extra Fees and Add-On Services
Beyond basic collection, many waste management companies charge additional fees for specialized services.
- Bulk item pickup – Large items like furniture, mattresses, and appliances may require a special pickup, costing $10 to $50 per item.
- Holiday or overflow trash pickup – Extra charges may apply during peak seasons, such as after holidays.
- Hazardous waste disposal – Items like batteries, paint, and electronics must be taken to designated drop-off centers, which may have associated fees.
- Late payment fees – Some providers charge penalties for missed or late payments.
Understanding these potential fees helps homeowners and businesses avoid unexpected charges.
How to Save Money on Curbside Trash Pickup
While waste collection is a necessary service, there are ways to minimize costs and optimize waste management.
1. Reduce Waste Production
The less waste you generate, the lower your trash disposal costs. Simple strategies include:
- Using reusable items instead of disposable ones.
- Donating or selling unwanted furniture and appliances instead of discarding them.
- Composting food scraps to reduce organic waste.
2. Choose the Right Bin Size
Many households pay for a larger trash bin than they actually need. Downsizing to a smaller bin can lead to cost savings.
- If your trash bin is not full each week, consider switching to a smaller size.
- Businesses can evaluate their waste production and adjust dumpster sizes accordingly.
3. Take Advantage of Recycling Programs
Properly recycling materials like plastic, glass, and cardboard can help reduce the amount of trash going to landfills. Some waste providers offer discounts for households that recycle more.
- Check local guidelines to ensure items are sorted correctly.
- Avoid contamination to prevent additional processing fees.
4. Look for Municipal or Government-Sponsored Programs
Some cities offer subsidized waste collection services, reducing out-of-pocket costs for residents. Research local programs to see if you qualify for discounted rates.
- Some municipalities provide free bulk waste pickup days.
- Low-income households may qualify for discounted waste collection.
5. Compare Service Providers
If you live in an area where multiple waste management companies operate, shopping around for the best rate can help reduce costs.
- Ask about discounts for bundling trash and recycling services.
- Check if prepaid plans offer lower rates compared to month-to-month billing.
Final Thoughts
The cost of curbside trash collection varies depending on location, service provider, frequency of pickup, and additional fees. While the average household pays between $20 and $80 per month, various factors—including landfill fees, fuel costs, and waste reduction programs—can influence the final price.
By understanding these factors and implementing cost-saving strategies like reducing waste, recycling properly, and choosing the right bin size, individuals and businesses can manage expenses effectively. Whether through municipal services or private providers, optimizing waste management can lead to both financial savings and environmental benefits.