By Sandra Smith, Vice Chair, Washington County Garbage & Recycling Advisory Committee

By now you’re probably aware of the garbage rate increase for unincorporated Washington County effective on August 1. Here are a few ways you can reduce your bill.

Do you fill your can each week?  If not, you might want to look at downsizing to the next smaller can. This page shows the different container sizes and prices our haulers offer:

Do you need weekly garbage pickup? If your garbage doesn’t even fill the smallest can each week, “Will Call Service” may be a more cost-effective option. When your 32-gallon can is full, let your hauler know before garbage day. The cost is $6.12 ($8.11 rural) for each pickup. For a flat monthly fee of $14.54 ($16.59 rural) you can also get regular bi-weekly recycling and yard debris collection. You can sign up on your haulers’ website.

Do a waste audit. Are you recycling all the items you can? Do you know all the items you can recycle? This link details what items can be recycled at curbside. Are you including all food waste in your yard debris bin? The What to Recycle and Where tool helps you find out where to properly recycle or dispose of hundreds of different items that can’t be recycled curbside:

Good reusable items can be taken to one of many local thrift stores or posted to give away on Freecycle, NextDoor, or your local Buy Nothing group.

Do you qualify for the Reduced Rate Program? Find out here.

Other ideas to reduce your waste: bring your own containers to restaurants for leftovers; many places will let you use your reusable beverage container; bring your own bags for all of your shopping, not just groceries! Buy in bulk.

Hopefully these tips will help you not only create less waste but save money on your garbage bill!