Finding a waste collector in my neighborhood became a headache for me when I tried to get rid of my old TV set last week.

When I moved into this apartment six years ago, a waste collection guy owned a little booth just across the street. Two years ago the booth was gone and the man left only a cardboard sign with his phone number on it. But now that cardboard sign has also disappeared.

After dialing at least five phone numbers found on the Internet, I finally reached a deal. The TV was sold for 15 yuan ($2.3), about the price of a bowl of beef noodles.