What Should Be Included in Sanitation Services

Sanitation services play a critical role in maintaining public health, environmental sustainability, and quality of life in communities around the world. While traditionally associated with waste removal, modern sanitation services have expanded to include a range of essential functions that go beyond simply collecting trash. To effectively serve the public and support environmental goals, a comprehensive sanitation service should include several key components: solid waste collection, recycling, yard waste removal, bulk item pickup, hazardous waste handling, street sweeping, and public education.

Solid Waste Collection

At the core of any sanitation service is the regular collection of household and commercial solid waste. This typically includes household garbage (non-recyclable and non-compostable waste),
commercial trash from businesses and public trash receptacle maintenance.

This service should be offered on a consistent, weekly schedule and use standardized containers that are rodent and leak-resistant. Municipalities should also provide clear guidelines about what types of waste are acceptable, how to bag or contain it, and when and where to place bins for pickup.

Recycling Services

Effective sanitation includes the collection and processing of recyclable materials. This reduces landfill use and conserves natural resources. A complete recycling program should include:

  • Curbside pickup of accepted recyclables (e.g., paper, cardboard, glass, plastics #1 and #2, and metals)
  • Proper processing at a materials recovery facility (MRF)
  • Educational outreach to reduce contamination

Some communities also provide drop-off locations for specialty recyclables like electronics, batteries, and clothing. Providing consistent education about what can and cannot be recycled is essential to ensure participation and program success.

Yard Waste and Organic Material Collection

To divert biodegradable material from landfills, sanitation services should offer regular pickup of yard debris and compostables, including leaves, grass clippings, and small branches as well as
food scraps and compostable kitchen waste (if a composting program exists).

Materials can be collected in compostable bags or specific green bins and sent to composting facilities. Compost produced can be reused in municipal landscaping or offered to residents.

Bulk Item Pickup

Residents periodically need to dispose of large items such as furniture, appliances, or mattresses. Sanitation services should provide scheduled or on-demand bulk waste pickup to handle these needs, helping reduce illegal dumping and blight. This service may include:

  • A limited number of free pickups per year
  • Fee-based extra pickups
  • Special handling for items containing hazardous components (e.g., refrigerators, electronics)

Hazardous and Special Waste Disposal

A complete sanitation service must offer safe disposal options for household hazardous waste (HHW), including:

  • Paints, solvents, motor oil, and pesticides
  • E-waste such as televisions, computers, and phones
  • Batteries and fluorescent bulbs

These materials can pose environmental and health risks if not disposed of properly. Many communities operate HHW drop-off events or permanent collection facilities.

Street Sweeping and Litter Control

Sanitation extends beyond private property to public spaces. Services should include:

  • Regular street sweeping to remove debris, leaves, and pollutants from roads
  • Litter cleanup in parks, sidewalks, and public areas
  • Emptying and maintaining public trash and recycling bins

These activities help prevent storm drain blockages, reduce urban runoff pollution, and keep communities looking clean and welcoming.

Call AAA Sanitation for Sanitation Services in Bishop, GA

Modern sanitation services go far beyond just taking out the trash. A well-rounded program includes solid waste collection, recycling, yard waste and compost management, bulk item and hazardous waste disposal, public area maintenance, and robust community education. These services ensure clean, healthy, and sustainable communities—and require ongoing planning, investment, and public cooperation to be successful.

The role of sanitation services is therefore more important than ever. By embracing technology, promoting sustainability, and encouraging responsible waste management, we can ensure that future generations inherit a cleaner and more sustainable world. Call AAA Sanitation & Garbage Removal to be your sanitation service provider.

AAA Sanitation & Garbage Removal
79 Business Dr Ste A
Hull, GA 30646
(706) 543-7788
https://aaasanitationco.com/