Not all trash is created equal. 
Understanding your waste stream is the key to reducing your costs.

You need to consider these aspects of your waste stream:

• Trash type & landfill charges - Separate out solids (particularly recyclables) and remove liquids from waste. Deal with hazardous materials properly - but keep in mind that disposal costs are negotiable.
• Container type & hauling - When possible, use on-site compactors and larger containers so you can decrease the volume of your waste and the frequency of pick-ups.

Despite high prices at the gas pump and California's high-profile problems, there are ways for you to reduce energy costs.

Points to consider:

• Electric rates are negotiable in several states. Even if energy has not been deregulated in your state, your usage may allow you to switch to a lower-cost rate plan.
• Utility bills often contain errors. Audits can recover credits of up to 5%.
• You can use a hedging strategy to manage energy costs. It is important to consider the timing of your contracts; for example, you will generally have less negotiating leverage for natural gas in the winter than in the summer.
• Investments in improving efficiency can reduce your costs significantly over the long term.

Points to consider:

• Most services, particularly specialized services like legal counsel and accounting, are governed by sensitive relationships. Negotiation can seem awkward -- but it is done.
• It is expensive for service providers to acquire new business - and most profitable when they can maintain long-term relationships.
• Spending can be benchmarked, but it requires creativity. It is critical to understand exactly what you get for your money.