If you have a maid who is at your house daily from early morning on, you can skip this section. She will take care of the trash and you will never have to think twice about it. For the rest of you, here's the drill.

If you don't already know, ask a neighbor what day(s) and time the trash truck comes to your street. In most neighborhoods the trash is collected 1-3 times a week. On the morning of the designated trash day, start listening for a loud metal clanging sound. That means the truck will either arrive shortly or is already waiting.

Grab your trash and carry it to the truck. Wait in line with your neighbors, and when it's your turn, pitch the bag up to the guy waiting inside the truck. If it’s too heavy, someone will help you.

The trash truck will come more or less at that time of the day on its designated days, except for after holidays, when it tends to arrive later. In some neighborhoods, like Guadiana, you can hang your small trash bags on a hook and the trash men will gather them up for you.

Don’t forget to add a few coins to the tip can - these guys work hard and don’t earn a lot.