[sionnsar]

we used to have 3 different recycle bins (for paper, plastic and glass). We provided our own regular trash cans.
... they changed trash containers on us. Now, we are to throw ALL recyclables, mixed together, into a giant recycle bin.

Same here. I could haul the bins in the car along with the trash down to the collection point by the paved road. Then we got these big wheeled bins for the recyclables instead -- way too big to fit in the car and it's a long(ish) walk to the collection point, so I just quit recycling. (Not mandatory here, yet.)

[ApplegateRanch]

I can either pay $25+/month for ONE bin, and carry my trash 3/4 mile to a be picked up; or I can pay $20/TON (scaled & pro rated, no less) to haul it myself when there’s enough to bother with.

Yard waste is free to dump.

Recyclables are also free to drop off.