Affordable Residential Trash Pickup

Are you looking for reliable, affordable waste services without the hidden fees of national corporations? To meet this need, Independent Waste Services provides straightforward, local trash collection designed to keep your neighborhood clean and your budget intact. Furthermore, we pride ourselves on transparency; therefore, we offer clear residential service pricing with no hidden surcharges. Ultimately, we believe you deserve a high-quality service that prioritizes both your curb appeal and your wallet.

Residential Service Pricing

Service Level	Capacity	Best for…	Monthly Rate
Standard	65-gallon tote	Couples/ 1-2 People	$25.00-$28.50/mo.
Family	96-gallon tote	Families of 3-5	$32.00-$35.00/mo
Additional containers/Bulk	Multiple Containers, Bulk Items	Large Households/Special Pickups	Contact Us

Why Choose Our Local Waste Service?

• No Long-Term Contracts: We believe in earning your business every single week; consequently, you can cancel at any time without penalty.
• Flat-Rate Billing: Your monthly statement remains consistent because we refuse to use “introductory rate” bait-and-switch tactics. Furthermore, this transparency ensures that our residential trash rates remain predictable and budget-friendly for the long haul.
• Local Support: When you call us, you speak directly to a neighbor rather than a distant call center. In fact, we pride ourselves on providing the personal touch that national corporations simply cannot match.
• Bulk Item Collection: While other services often shy away from large items, we are here to help. Specifically, we accept bulk items for a straightforward disposal fee; therefore, we handle your heavy lifting without the usual hassle.

Our Service Areas

We are proud to provide affordable trash pickup to the following communities:

• Luzerne Borough
• Forty Fort
• Kingston
• The Back Mountain (Dallas/Shavertown)
• Swoyersville
• Plymouth Borough
• Plymouth Township
• West Nanticoke
• Hunlock Creek
• Shickshinny
• Wilkes Barre
• Luzerne County

Guide: What Can & Can’t Go in Your Bin?

To keep our community safe and our environmental footprint small, please follow these disposal guidelines. Putting prohibited items in your bin can lead to fines or missed pickups.

✅ The “Yes” List (Household Trash)

• Standard Food Waste: Scraps, peels, and spoiled goods.
• Plastic & Paper: Clean wrappers, packaging, and household paper products.
• Textiles: Old clothing or rags that aren’t fit for donation.
• Small Glass/Metal: Empty jars, cans, and broken household glass (wrapped safely).

❌ The “No” List (Prohibited Items)

• Hazardous Materials: No motor oil, wet paint, pesticides, or pool chemicals.
• Electronics (E-Waste): No TVs, monitors, or computers (by state law).
• Batteries: No Lithium-ion or lead-acid batteries (major fire hazard!).
• Construction Debris: No concrete, bricks, or heavy dirt in standard totes.
• Medical Waste: No loose needles or “sharps.” These must be in a puncture-proof container.

Pro-Tip for Paint: We cannot take liquid paint. However, if you add kitty litter or a “paint hardener” to the can until it is completely solid, we can take it with your regular trash!

Service Terms:

Placement & Timing

• The 3-Foot Rule: Place your tote at least 3 feet away from cars, mailboxes, or trees to allow our automated arms to work safely.
• Handle Toward House: Place the tote with the lid opening facing the street.
• Service Time: Totes must be at the curb by 6:00 AM on your service day. We cannot “double back” for containers put out late.

Billing & Cancellation

• No Contracts: We operate strictly on a month-to-month basis; consequently, you retain full control over your service without being locked into a long-term commitment.
• Refunds: While you may cancel at any time, we do not offer pro-rated refunds for partial months if you choose to end service mid-cycle. Therefore, we recommend timing your cancellation for the end of your billing period.
• Late Fees: To ensure uninterrupted service, your residential trash rates are due by the 1st of every month. However, we provide a grace period for our neighbors; specifically, a small late fee of $5.00 only applies to accounts that become 15 days past due.

Bulk Item Policy

• Weekly Limit: To maintain our affordable residential trash rates, your standard service covers only what fits inside your provided tote with the lid securely closed. Consequently, this ensures our drivers can operate safely and efficiently on every route.
• Extra Bags: We understand that some weeks produce more waste than others; however, bags placed outside the tote may be subject to a $3.00 – $5.00 per bag surcharge. Furthermore, if you consistently exceed your bin’s capacity, we can discuss upgrading your service plan to better fit your household needs.
• Large Items: Do you need a sofa or appliance picked up? In that case, please call us at least 48 hours in advance to schedule a special “Bulk Pick-up.” By doing so, you allow us to notify our drivers and ensure we have the proper equipment available to handle your heavy items safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I pay my trash bill?

We offer easy online bill pay, automatic ACH withdrawals, and traditional mail-in options. Pay annually to receive one month free!

What time should I put my trash out?

To ensure pickup, please have your tote at the curb by 5:00 AM on your scheduled day or the night before.

What happens on holidays?

If your pickup day falls on New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, or Christmas, service will be delayed by exactly one day.