Like anywhere, the regulations and guidelines for sanitation vary depending on your living situation, your sanitation plan and where you live. Smaller cities can bend the rules and make exceptions to the regulations. Larger towns or residents living in an area protected by an HOA or landlords may have additional guidelines to follow. Sanitation pickup must be arranged ahead of time, either in writing with a second party or in an agreement with city sanitation. If you're wondering how many trash bags you can put out at once, you must check with your city sanitation department to ensure your residence remains compliant. Additionally, if there's a limit to the number of extra bags you can add to your regular trash pickup, this is also something that needs prior discussion.
Sanitation Varies By Area and By Living Situation
It's difficult to provide one blanket answer as sanitation is a highly general topic and relies on several different outliers. Where and how you live will dictate the agreement for trash collection. If you're living in a municipality requiring residents to use outdoor trash cans and recycling bins, the answer is how many trash bags you can fit into your containers. Often, it can be three or four bags of trash, depending on the commercial trash can and what fits. Sometimes it's one or two bags if the receptacle is smaller.
For other homeowners, specifically in the suburbs, your city may provide you with an outdoor container for trash and recycling. In this case, it's best to fill that bin as much as possible. The collection team will not accept anything outside the provided containers or waste that varies from traditional garbage.
Finally, some municipalities have rules about how many bags of garbage from the curb can be collected each week; sometimes, these restrictions are as low as 1-2 bags per household per week. Therefore, residents must make special arrangements before the pick up with your collection team or sanitation department. It is best to arrange at least a week before the designated pickup days if you have an excessive amount.
Additionally, some sanitation departments have designated "spring cleaning" days with an unlimited number of bags or more oversized bulk items that garbage trucks traditionally don't accept. Be sure to note these special exception days or arrange them ahead of time with your collection team.
How Many Extra Bags of Trash Can I Put Out?
If you're unsure whether your extra trash will be allowed, it's best to check with the city before placing it outside. Usually, the amount is determined by a unique program or level you choose. However, some towns make exceptions for specific items (such as yard waste) and may even provide additional bags for residents needing them. If you can't find information about what goes where on your city's website or with your HOA. Try checking out local laws online—you may find what you need in an ordinance or sanitation department.
If all else fails and you're still unsure how many extra bags of trash can go out each day/week/month, it might be time for a bulk pickup service! These services typically collect large items like furniture, construction debris and other household items that don't fit into your standard trash cans. You'll want to call around for quotes from several companies so that you know who offers quality services at competitive rates. Be sure to get a few quotes to avoid overcharging your items.
How Much Are Extra Bags of Trash?
The cost varies by city, depending on how many extra bags each customer uses and what type of service they select (for example, whether they're getting their trash picked up weekly instead of twice a month). It's best to contact your municipality to find out more about the fees associated with putting out more than one bag of trash or an extra trash receptacle.
It's possible that your community might fine or ticket people who put out excessive amounts of garbage during particular seasons (for instance, if there is an excessive amount at recycling centers during spring break). Therefore, arranging a special pickup for waste or recycling that exceeds the norm is always best.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Junk Removal Company?
Sometimes it's easier to hire an outside junk removal company because every job is different, and city sanitation will be unable to furnish the appropriate services. Pricing will depend on the amount of junk being removed, the location of your property and how timely you need the assistance. Typically, you can expect to pay between $100-$250 for basement clean-outs, garage clean-outs and furniture removal services (this includes everything from couches and chairs to beds). Some companies offer flat rates for full-house moves - these may cost more since you are more than likely to hire professionals for an all-day job, as opposed to doing it in 2-3 hour increments. On the other hand, they'll be cheaper if you're starting at smaller projects such as just one bedroom worth of stuff, storage units or garage projects.
What Are Other Options For Disposing Of Trash?
If your town allows curbside pickup, then wait until pickup day when sanitation teams will collect garbage, including multiple trash bags. If this isn't an option, check with local waste management facilities whether they accept drop-offs since some allow residents easy access to pay disposal fees upfront or submit paperwork for approved materials. Other options include taking them directly inside a store nearby, where you can utilize a commercial dumpster, depending on how often customers bring in waste materials. However, some stores only accept recyclables, so be sure you aren't dropping off waste that stores cannot accept.
Commercial Pick Up For Apartment Residents or Businesses
Typically apartments, businesses or multiple tenant units provide a commercial dumpster to store garbage before pickup. Similar to a residence, these dumpsters are maintained by a sanitation team, which is often a private company. The landlord usually pays a fee for trash removal or hires a company to maintain trash pickup. Whatever the situation is, this fee is often split among the tenants and included in the rent. Some landlords absorb this cost themselves, so you must discuss rates ahead of time and agree on terms.
When In Doubt, Ask An Expert
Although it’s almost impossible to predict every living situation and business guidelines for trash disposal, dozens of resources are available. You can go online and view your city ordinances or your complex’s policies on trash pickup. If you are unsure what items are appropriate for disposal or how many trash bags are allowed for pickup, someone is willing to help. Contact the landlord, manager or city sanitation department to see what your area allows.