Previous literature on the question of cost savings from privatization of public services leads to rather ambiguous results. This paper offers an estimation and specification of an explanatory model of factors that produce costs in solid waste collection and disposal. The uniqueness of this model lies in its variables, which derived from various studies corresponding with solid waste collection and disposal in the United States. On one hand, the results indicate a reduction of costs due to privatization of solid waste collection. On the other hand, provision of the service by public monopoly represents a significantly more cost effective choice when compared to a private monopoly. The results suggest that the government undergo a thorough examination of market structure before it decides to contract out.