I have a similar experience to Roz - the service is excellent. I don't think privatising is a good idea. It adds the element of someone making a profit out of it, therefore the pressure is on cutting corners. Look what happened to privatising cleaning hospitals - a complete disaster. There would also be duplication of systems, machinery, vehicles etc. which is not logical and you could have several dustcarts going down the same road on the same day - not very 'green'.
I have to say the guys that come down our road are also very friendly.