55 Gallon barrels cannot be used. If garbage is set out in a bag the bags need to be tied securely closed. Bags or containers of garbage should weigh no more than 50 pounds. Materials that exceed this weight will not be collected. If you use a garbage can, make sure it has a tight fitting lid.
Water adds a lot of dead weight to a can and can ruin a man's back.
Hazardous materials cannot be set out with regular garbage. Regular garbage is foods scrapes, non-recyclable plastic, glass, or paper waste. If you wait until you hear the sound of the truck they have probably already blown by. Try to avoid using cardboard boxes to set out garbage. These are highly recyclable and should be set out with your recyclables.