The influences of the socio-economic variables, race and income, on the demand for a municipally--provided collection service of household refuse were investigated. Marked seasonal variations in the effects of income and race alone and in combination, were noted. The results of the study may be interpreted to suggest that household refuse consists of two components. The basic solid waste component is independent of income and race and relatively constant throughout the year. The additional component varies seasonally and is highly sensitive to income and race except in midsummer when it appear to stem from consumption activities closely related to race.