If you’ve read through our 11-Step Checklist for Moving into a New Home, you know setting up utilities is one of the first things new homeowners should do after closing. Alongside electricity, gas, water, and internet, trash collection is one of the most essential utilities homeowners rely on for a seamless move and enjoyable new home experience. No one wants to deal with piles of trash, boxes, or recyclables days after moving into their new home.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn how to find reliable service providers in your area, what information you’ll need to set up utilities, and the steps you should follow to set up trash service for your new home.
Finding Reliable Trash Collection Providers in Your Area
If you’re in the process of purchasing a new home, you’ll want to set up trash service before moving in. Before you move into your new neighborhood, research what trash removal services are available in the area. Often, trash collection companies will also cover recycling. If your new property is managed by a Homeowners Association (HOA), it might take care of garbage collection. Make sure to see if trash collection is included in your monthly HOA payment before you set up service with an outside provider.
If you’re having trouble finding reputable service providers in your area, try looking on your municipality’s website. Many cities and towns list reputable trash removal companies on their website, typically under a section titled “Utilities,” “Services,” or “New Residents.”
How to Determine What Trash Service You Need
You might think trash service is one size fits all, but in reality, it’s a little more complicated than that. You’ll want to consider several variables to ensure all your garbage needs are met.
First, you’ll want to determine what bin size and how many trash cans you need. While not all service providers offer different bin sizes, the following are the most common:
- 32-gallon trash can: Holds two to three bags of trash and is a good choice for solo homeowners, couples, and other households of one to two people
- 64-gallon trash can: Holds four to six bags and is a good choice for married couples with kids and larger households of up to four people
- 96-gallon trash can: Holds up to seven trash bags and is ideal for large households and those running a small business out of their home
Most trash service providers also allow homeowners to purchase additional garbage carts if they see fit. Doing so can be a good idea if you plan to renovate a portion of your home or take up a new hobby, like furniture building, that produces additional waste and debris.
Additional Trash Services to Consider
Alongside your primary trash service, you should explore additional waste removal options, especially if you're planning projects like cutting brush, trimming trees, or building onto your home. Many trash removal companies offer extra pickup services to meet these unique needs.
- Curbside recycling services: Recycling is a convenient way to reduce household waste by separating recyclable materials like paper, plastics, glass, and metals from your regular trash. This service helps promote sustainability and keeps your community cleaner. Depending on where you live, your trash removal service may include recycling.
- Dumpster rentals: Ideal for larger home projects such as renovations, landscaping, or decluttering. Companies deliver a dumpster to your home, allowing you to fill it at your own pace before they haul it away when you're done.
- Large item pickup: If you need to dispose of bulky items like furniture, appliances, or yard waste that won't fit in your regular trash bin, large item pickup services can help. Schedule a pickup to have these items removed hassle-free.
What Information Will I Need to Start Trash Service?
Starting trash service at a new home is relatively simple, but you will need some information to get started. Most trash removal companies will need the following details to schedule trash service at your home:
- Address of your new home
- Address of your previous home (if you previously had trash collection)
- Your move-in date (the day you’ll need to start service)
- The number and size of trash bins you want
Setting Up Trash Service in Your New Home (Step-By-Step)
Getting trash service set up for your new home is essential to ensure waste is managed smoothly from day one. Follow these six steps to ensure you have the right services to meet your household’s needs.
- Step 1 – Research service providers: Look into local trash companies that service your area. Compare pricing, pickup schedules, and available services to find a provider that meets your household's needs.
- Step 2 – Pick out what services you want: Decide which services you'll need beyond basic trash pickup, such as recycling, yard waste removal, or large item pickups. Consider your home size, household habits, and any upcoming projects.
- Step 3 – Gather information: Before contacting a provider, have your home's address, preferred start date, and any necessary documentation ready to streamline the process.
- Step 4 – Set up your service: Contact the provider to schedule your trash service. Confirm details like your weekly collection day, bin delivery, customer service number, and billing method.
- Step 5 – Review your selections: Double-check the services you’ve signed up for to make sure everything is correct. Confirm the start date, fees, and service specifics (like whether you need to order a separate recycling cart) with your provider.
- Step 6 – Begin your new services: Once your trash carts are delivered and your pickup schedule is confirmed, you’re all set. Mark your calendar with "trash day," and you’re ready to go!
Consider the Impact
An often overlooked consideration of hiring trash service is what services your neighbors use. Some cities give only one option for trash pickup, in which case your decision on which company to use is easy. But if many options exist, you may have multiple days of the week that your neighborhood has trash bins at the curb. If you have an HOA, it’s unlikely they will allow this and will steer you toward a specific service so trucks only visit your neighborhood on one day of the week.
Synchronizing with neighbors gives the aesthetic benefit of fewer days of bins on the streets, as well as fewer visits from noisy trash trucks if you and your neighbors are customers of the same company. Fewer truck trips means less wear-and-tear on your streets, and increased efficiency for the trucks.
Ensuring an Enjoyable New Home Experience
Setting up trash service is one of the many small steps (like registering your new address) that contribute to a smooth and enjoyable transition into your new home. By following these steps and selecting the right services, you’ll be ready to keep your home clean and clutter-free from the start.
If you’re still searching for your dream home, Century Communities has a variety of new construction properties available. Use our Find Your Home feature to explore options in your area and find the perfect fit for you!
Trash Service Near Me FAQ
What is the average cost of trash pickup?
According to Trash Away Sanitation, homeowners typically spend between $15 and $50 monthly on trash collection, depending on their service providers and location.
Who performs garbage collection near me?
To find trash collection providers in your area, visit your municipality’s official website. Most cities and towns post reputable service providers on their sites under “Services,” “Utilities,” “Departments,” or “New Residents.” For example, on the official website for the city of Denver, trash collection services can be found under “Agencies, Departments, Offices” / “Trash, Recycle & Compost.”
How do I get rid of a bunch of junk?
If you’ve recently completed a remodel or just went a little wild with this year’s spring cleaning, you can rent a dumpster to dispose of all your unwanted furniture, appliances, yard debris, and oversized waste. Most trash collection providers offer dumpster rental services to their clients for bulky collection items.
When should I start trash service at my new place?
You should set up and start trash collection (alongside all other utilities) before you move in. Once you arrive at your new home on move-in day, complete a walkthrough of the house and check if your utilities are working and that your service provider delivered your trash cans.
