Who collects solid waste?

Solid waste is collected by private or public waste management companies. Cities in the United States are required to offer residents waste management services. Local governments either have their own waste management departments or arrange contracts with public companies.

Waste Management Inc. has the largest trucking fleet in the waste industry and services more than 21 million customers, as of 2015. Private and public waste management companies usually have facilities, transfer stations and landfills at their disposal. The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act in 1976 set the standards for the collection, storage and disposal of waste in the United States.