hello mark & nickj.. thanks for the answers! the first thing i actually did today was look for these community broschures/handouts they hand-in when you move! of course i didn't find them (i usually throw paper stuff).
so, i just went out walking with my pans until i found (oh, i did have a few stops to ask where it really is)-- it was quite a long walk, but at least the disposal was free in our community!