What Republic Services does and who runs it

Republic Services is a private waste and recycling company that collects trash, recycling, and yard waste from homes and businesses across the United States. The company operates in 45 states and Puerto Rico, picking up from residential curbside bins, commercial dumpsters, and roll-off containers. Republic Services does not run your local landfill or recycling facility — it transports what you put out to those facilities, which may be run by Republic, another private company, or your municipality.

Republic Services is publicly traded and headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. It is one of the two largest waste companies in the country, alongside Waste Management. The company also owns and operates transfer stations, landfills, and recycling centers in many of the areas it serves, which means it both collects your waste and processes it downstream.

Service is not universal. Republic Services operates in specific geographic areas, and availability depends on where you live. If you live in a Republic service area, you can contact the company directly to start service. If you do not, you will need to use whatever waste company serves your address, which your city or county can tell you.

Key Takeaways

  • Republic Services is a private company that picks up trash, recycling, and yard waste from homes and businesses, then transports it to landfills and recycling facilities.
  • Service is only available in certain geographic areas across 45 states and Puerto Rico, so you must check whether Republic operates at your address before contacting them.
  • Residential customers typically pay a monthly fee for curbside pickup, with costs varying by location, bin size, and service frequency.
  • You can request service changes, report missed pickups, or ask questions about what goes in each bin by contacting Republic Services directly through their website or phone number.
  • Republic Services also offers bulk item pickup, junk removal, and recycling drop-off locations in many areas, though these services may cost extra or have separate rules.

How to learn about Republic Services operates in your area

The first step is to check whether Republic Services has a contract to serve your address. You can do this through the Republic Services website by entering your street address in their service area lookup tool. The tool will tell you when ready whether service is available and, if it is, what the company offers in your specific location.

If the lookup tool shows that Republic does not serve your area, contact your city or county waste management department to find out which company does. Many municipalities contract with a single waste hauler for residential service, and that information is usually on your city's website or available by phone. Your property deed or a recent utility bill may also list your current waste provider.

Some areas have multiple waste companies operating, which means you may have a choice. Other areas have exclusive contracts, meaning only one company can pick up from your address. Knowing which situation applies to you before you call saves time.

Residential service costs and what is included

Republic Services charges a monthly fee for residential curbside pickup. The exact cost depends on three things: your location, the size of your bin, and how often you want pickup. A standard 64-gallon trash bin with weekly pickup costs less than a 96-gallon bin with the same frequency. Pricing also varies significantly by region — service in a dense urban area typically costs less per month than service in a rural area, because the company spends less time driving between stops.

Most residential customers in Republic service areas pay between $15 and $30 per month for trash pickup alone, though this range is not fixed and varies widely. Some areas charge more, some less. The company usually offers a combined trash and recycling package at a discount compared to buying each service separately. Yard waste pickup, if available in your area, is often an add-on service with its own monthly fee.

Republic Services typically bills monthly, and you can pay online, by phone, or by mail. Many customers set up automatic payments through their bank account or credit card. If you move or no longer need service, you can cancel by contacting the company, though some areas have minimum contract terms or early termination fees — check your service agreement for details.

What goes in each bin and recycling rules

Republic Services provides separate bins for trash, recycling, and yard waste in most residential areas. What goes in each bin depends on local rules, which vary by location because different recycling facilities accept different materials. Your service area's specific rules are printed on the bin itself, on your bill, or on the Republic Services website for your region.

Generally, trash bins accept everyday household waste — food scraps, packaging, broken items, and other refuse. Recycling bins accept paper, cardboard, plastic bottles and containers, aluminum cans, and steel cans, though the exact list varies. Yard waste bins accept grass clippings, leaves, branches, and plant trimmings. Hazardous materials like paint, batteries, motor oil, and electronics do not go in any curbside bin and require special handling.

Putting the wrong items in a bin can jam the collection truck or contaminate an entire load at the recycling facility, which costs the company money and can delay service. If you are unsure whether something is recyclable in your area, check the Republic Services website for your region or call customer service. Many areas also offer free drop-off locations for items that cannot go in curbside bins.

Reporting missed pickups and service problems

If Republic Services misses your pickup, report it as soon as possible through the company's website, mobile app, or by phone. Most areas allow you to report a missed pickup the same day, and the company will usually come back within 24 hours. You do not need to wait until your next scheduled pickup day.

Keep your account number and service address handy when you call or use the online form. The more specific you are about what happened — for example, "my trash bin was not picked up on Tuesday morning" — the faster the company can investigate. If pickups are repeatedly missed, ask about service credits or other remedies when you contact customer service.

For other service issues, such as a damaged bin, questions about what is recyclable, or requests to change your service level, contact Republic Services through the same channels. Response times vary by location and how busy the customer service team is, but most routine requests are handled within a few business days.

Additional services Republic offers beyond curbside pickup

Republic Services offers several services beyond standard monthly curbside pickup. Bulk item pickup allows you to put out large items like furniture, appliances, or mattresses on a scheduled day, usually for a separate fee. Junk removal is a separate service where Republic sends a crew to haul away items from inside your home or yard — this costs more than bulk pickup and requires scheduling in advance.

Recycling drop-off centers are available in many Republic service areas for items that do not fit in your curbside bin or are not accepted at the curb, such as electronics, batteries, or scrap metal. Some drop-off locations are free; others charge a fee depending on what you are dropping off. Republic's website shows the locations and hours of drop-off centers near you.

Commercial service is available for businesses, with options ranging from small dumpsters for offices to large roll-off containers for construction sites. Pricing and service frequency are customized based on the business's needs. If you own a business or manage a property, contact Republic Services' commercial division for a quote.

How to start, change, or stop service

To start service, go to the Republic Services website, enter your address, and follow the prompts to set up an account. You will need to provide your name, address, phone number, and payment information. The company will tell you when service will begin — this is usually within one to two weeks, depending on your location and current workload.

To change your service — for example, to upgrade to a larger bin, add yard waste pickup, or reduce pickup frequency — contact Republic Services through your online account, the mobile app, or by phone. Changes typically take effect on your next billing cycle. To stop service, you can cancel through your account or by calling customer service. Some areas require 30 days' notice; others allow when ready cancellation. Check your service agreement or ask when you call.

If you are moving, you can transfer your service to your new address if it is in a Republic service area. If your new address is not served by Republic, the company can help you find the waste provider that serves that location.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I put something in the wrong bin?

If a single item ends up in the wrong bin, the collection truck's automated arm usually sorts it out during pickup. If an entire load is contaminated — for example, if trash is mixed heavily into the recycling bin — the facility may reject it, and the company may charge you a fee or suspend service until you correct the problem. Check your area's rules on the Republic Services website to avoid this.

Can I get a credit if my pickup is missed?

Many areas offer service credits for repeated missed pickups or other service failures. The amount and conditions vary by location. Contact customer service to ask what credits are available in your area and what you need to do to receive one.

Do I have to use Republic Services if they operate in my area?

It depends on your location. Some areas have exclusive contracts with one waste company, meaning you must use that company. Other areas allow you to choose between multiple providers. Your city or county can tell you whether you have a choice.

What do I do with hazardous waste like paint or batteries?

Hazardous materials do not go in any curbside bin. Republic Services operates or partners with hazardous waste drop-off locations in many areas. Check the company's website for the nearest location, hours, and what items they accept. Some items may be free to drop off; others may have a small fee.

How do I know what day my pickup is scheduled?

Your pickup day is listed on your bill, on your account page on the Republic Services website, and in the mobile app. Most areas have a set day each week for each neighborhood. If you forget, you can always check online or call customer service.