How to Avoid Dumpster Fees

Our flat-rate pricing makes it easy to budget for any cleanup, but keeping that rate locked in depends on a few things, including the amount and type of debris you put in your dumpster. In certain cases, additional dumpster fees may apply. However, if you follow the terms of your rental, the rate we quote you is all you’ll pay. Read on to learn how to avoid extra dumpster rental charges. 

Dumpster Rental Fees to Avoid

Trip Fees

What is a trip fee?

Trip fees result when the dumpster cannot be delivered or picked up during the initial attempt due to insufficient space or obstacles blocking the drop-off area.

How to avoid trip fees

Avoid trip fees by making sure the area is clear on the day of your scheduled delivery or pickup. This includes checking for low hanging tree branches and wires, cars in the driveway or in front of the home and other obstructions near the dumpster area.  

For delivery and pickup, the truck will need:

• 23 feet of vertical clearance at most, depending on the size of the container.
• 10.5 feet of width.
• 60 feet of space in a straight line.
   

Hazardous Waste Fees

What is a hazardous waste fee?

Hazardous waste cannot go in a dumpster and will result in additional fees. This is not only for your safety, but also helps prevent problematic materials from ending up in landfills.

How to avoid hazardous waste disposal fees

Know what is allowed in your dumpster before beginning your project. Your customer service representative will list the items we cannot accept when you schedule delivery and can answer any additional questions you may have. 

You can also review our full list of prohibited items. 
 

What to do with hazardous waste

If you have items classified as hazardous waste that you need to dispose of, contact your local waste management department to see if there are drop-off sites or upcoming pickup dates in your area. Here are a few common options for disposal:

Mail-In Kits: Certain organizations will send you a mail-in kit for specific types of waste. You will need to fill out a form online to specify what you will be disposing of and your location. 

Recycling: Drop-off sites and retail stores often host recycling programs for batteries, cell phones, tires and other prohibited materials you cannot throw in a dumpster. Auto-parts stores and repair shops may accept used motor oil or antifreeze for recycling. 

Use a Home Pickup Service: If there are no drop-off locations in your area, you can often schedule a hazardous waste pickup through your local waste service.
 

Fees for Overloading the Dumpster

What is an overloaded dumpster?

Your dumpster cannot be filled above the walls of the container and there should be no debris hanging over the sides. An additional fee will be charged for driver delay if the debris is piled higher than the sides of the dumpster.

How to properly load your dumpster and avoid fees

• Use the dumpster door for easy loading. 
• Place larger, bulky items at the bottom of the dumpster. 
• Break down and flatten as many items as possible. 
• Load the container evenly and fill gaps as you go. 
• Ensure waste does not stick out above the top of the dumpster.

Weight Overage Fees

What is an overage fee?

If you go over the weight limit indicated on your invoice and in the terms and conditions of your rental, you will be charged an overage fee. Additional weight is charged a prorated fee for each ton over the weight limit. 

How to avoid going over your weight limit

Use our dumpster weight calculator to estimate the weight of your debris beforehand. If you have questions about the weight of certain types of debris, your customer service representative will answer them to the best of their knowledge. If rain or snow are expected, cover the dumpster with plywood or a tarp to reduce added weight from water pooling inside the dumpster or absorbing into the debris.  

If you are unsure about the weight of your debris, or how much you will ultimately have, choose a larger dumpster with a higher weight limit to avoid these dumpster fees.  
 

Rental Extension Fees

What is an extension fee?

If you keep the dumpster beyond the period outlined in your rental agreement, you will be charged a prorated fee for the additional days.

How to avoid extension fees

Call us at 1-866-284-6164 on or before the final day of your rental period to schedule removal of the dumpster and avoid extended rental fees. We will not pick up the dumpster until you have scheduled your pickup.  

If you expect your project to take longer than one week, make sure you account for extension fees in your budget. 

Debris-Specific Fees

What is a debris-specific fee?

In some areas, certain bulk waste items require additional processing, such as recycling, and a fee will apply when they are placed in a dumpster. These items often include appliances, electronics, mattresses and furniture.

How to avoid debris-specific fees

Ask about any bulk waste items you plan on disposing when you order your dumpster and our customer service team will be able to tell you if a fee applies. If a fee does apply, you can check with your local waste department to see if the item can be picked up with your regular curbside collection. 

Follow these tips to avoid dumpster fees during your rental. Call 1-866-284-6164 with any additional questions about dumpster fees or rentals.