This weekend I received my bill from Republic Waste Services, the firm I use for weekly garbage removal. My quarterly bill is about $6 more than usual. Here’s why, according to this message printed on the bill (emphasis is as it appears on the bill. I’ve linked to the bill in question):

During the 2007 session of the NC General Assembly, Senate Bill 1492 was enacted into law. This legislation imposes a $2 per ton tax on disposal PLUS an increase cost in landfill permitting fees and regulations; which will increase the cost of disposal. Therefore, effective July 1st, we will be required to adjust our rates to permit us to recover these costs as well as general operational costs and to maintain a reasonable return on your account.

Don’t let anyone tell you that imposing regulations on a business doesn’t impact the customer by increasing the price of the product or service.