[Dylan16807]

> For one, they've obtained a position where you are forced to patronize them, even if you would choose to not utilize their services.

If a private service is being chosen, they have that same position. This is not an advantage that government-run pickup has over private pickup.

> For two, they generally get themselves excepted from local regulations (eg noise ordinances) for essentially convenience purposes.

I'd expect similar laws to be in play no matter who is chosen, is that unrealistic?

[stcredzero]

If a private service is being chosen, they have that same position. This is not an advantage that government-run pickup has over private pickup.

Unless, the local government actually structures a market and gives people a choice. Then competition can cause the service to clean up its act.