I get your point, and in general I would agree with you about government (local, state or federal ) running things, leading to higher costs, but....
We have BFI and WM. They keep their prices about the same. The company that charged me $13 a month provided better service and they were profitable but the owner was ready to retire and WM (highest bidder) bought them out, took over the routes, and doubled their prices. The service is in no way better and I therefore have to disagree with you.
BTW the city I live in provides electricity for less than other communities in the area that have outside providers. (not sure how they do this but I'm not complaining)
The city also provides high speed internet service for $15.99 a month (1.2 Mbps).
They also built a community center with basketball courts, weights, aerobic equipment, swimming pools, racketball courts, indoor runnig track, whirlpools and saunas. They charge me $15 a month.
Did I mentinon we have just about the lowest taxes in the entire metropolitan region (Mpls./St. Paul area).
In other words, if they wanted to provide garbage service, I'm willing to bet it would be cheaper than WM.