I have to say, OL, that refuse is the one thing that rarely seems to go wrong around our way. I find the service very good and always have done. You may be particularly unlucky, perhaps?
I suspect the Council monopoly has something to do with this not being a very attractive business proposition and a likely loss maker. I believe it costs thousands to collect rubbish with fines imposed by central government if targets for recycling arent met.

In respect of opportunties for choice, it has taken me several years to locate a window cleaner and an occasional gardener for our property, hence the potential for switching providers does not exist for us. Thankfully they are both very good. However in todays market I remain grateful that they choose to show up at all.