Either they had to continue paying a private hauler or the cost would simply be shifted from common charges to the town.

A spokesman for private haulers said they did not do business through intimidation.

The plan leaves the final destination for most of the city's garbage up to private haulers.

At the same time, the city began to license private haulers and set a maximum rate that they could charge businesses.

They now pay private haulers more than a $1 billion a year.

Some residents pay a private hauler to remove organic waste.

The city plans to lower the fee it charges private haulers to $25 a cubic yard, from $40.

In contrast, businesses hire private haulers to pick up their refuse.

The city estimates that the recycling rate on commercial trash, which is collected by private haulers.

At all other times, it is necessary to request special pickup from the private hauler serving different parts of the city.