How we check listings

Every fact on a listing is read from the program's own website, including its rules sheets and flyers, not from other directories or search results. Each listing links to the pages we used and shows the date we last checked them.

Which cities a site serves comes from the program's own list of members or service area. The "find your city" tables put those lists side by side, so you can see every site that takes people from your city.

When two official pages disagree, for example a city page and the county's rules sheet, the listing says so and which one we followed. The program's own page comes first, then its rules document, then partner cities, then state lists.

If a program doesn't say something, like whether it charges, we leave it out and tell you to call. Collection days drop off the site after their date. A listing leaves search results if it hasn't been re-checked within 120 days.