Western civilization is defined by our utilities, both public-owned and private. As such, anyone living in the Rochester area will probably want a little bit of the ol' western civilization sooner or later. You allegedly have a choice of supplier for your essential utilities.
Cable Television
Gas and Electric
See also: ESCOs
Internet
See Internet Access
Sewers
In the Rochester Area sanitary sewer service is typically provided by the municipality and billed through city/town property tax bills.
In some selected areas, and in outlying areas, sanitary sewage must be handled through private septic systems.
Telephone
Water
Trash/Recycling
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City of Rochester:
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Everywhere else:
Rochester provides garbage and household recycling service, including bins at no additional charge (it's itemized in property taxes as a function of your property's frontage in feet). Service includes an annual leaf/debris pickup and an annual bulk pickup (for all your spring cleaning needs). Officially, bulk removal can be had any time of year for a small additional charge if you call and make an appointment. However, if you don't call, they seem to come and remove it anyway — without billing you.
During the summer months, you may also witness youth removing loose trash from curbs.
Each property will generally have its own contract with a private waste hauler providing refuse and state-mandated household recycling services. See area vendors at: Scrap Metal, Recycling & Waste Management
See also: Recycling, ecopark, or Household Hazardous Waste Program