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 sticking to your dumpster’s weight limit and only throwing out accepted items. In certain cases, additional dumpster fees may apply. Take a look at your rental terms and this guide to learn more about dumpster fees and how they could occur on your invoice.  

Why Am I Seeing an Additional Fee on my Invoice?

Additional fees can occur for a number of reasons, such as weight overages or prohibited items being thrown into the dumpster. Read on for a more in-depth understanding of common dumpster fees and why they may be appearing on your final bill. If you have any questions regarding your invoice, our team is here to help – simply call 1-866-284-6164 Monday through Friday to get in touch with one of our waste removal experts. 

Common Dumpster Rental Fees and Why They Happen

Trip Fees

What is a trip fee?

A trip fee, or dry run fee, is charged when the dumpster cannot be delivered or picked up due to a lack of space, obstacles blocking the area or a delivery area with a steep slope. This additional fee accounts for the time and resources required when a driver’s route is broken by a missed delivery or pickup.

How do I avoid a trip fee?

The best way to avoid a trip fee is to make sure to choose a delivery area that is flat, clear and open for your entire delivery day. Make sure that nothing is blocking the area and that any gates or fences are unlocked to allow our trucks through. Also, be aware that if an area is steep enough to require the parking brake on your car, it is too steep to place a dumpster on. 

We offer a number of dumpster sizes, so the delivery space needed can vary, but for most deliveries and pickups, our trucks 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.
   

Disposal Fees

What is a disposal fee?

Disposal rules and regulations can vary from state to state and even city to city. In some areas, a disposal fee may apply for items that are allowed in your dumpster, but require recycling or other additional processing. This can include electronics, appliances and mattresses. If you have an item that’s tricky to get rid of, our team can let you know if it’s allowed in your dumpster and if there are any related disposal fees so that you can budget ahead of time. 

In other areas, certain items may be prohibited entirely. Throwing away debris that is not permitted in your dumpster will result in an additional disposal fee. If you’ve rented a dumpster for a specific waste type, such as clean concrete, and you mix other debris into the load, this may also result in a fee. 

How do I avoid a disposal fee?

When you call to schedule your dumpster rental, a team member will go over a list of accepted and prohibited items for your location. Be sure to stick to this list and if you have any questions about a waste item, call 1-866-284-6164 Monday through Friday to double-check with our team before tossing it in. 

What should I do with unaccepted or hazardous waste?

If your area does not allow electronics, appliances, mattresses or other bulk waste items in a dumpster, find the disposal guide you need to take care of your cleanup with ease. 

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.
   

Rental Extension Fees

What is an extension fee?

If you hang onto your dumpster longer than your rental period, you can do so for a low, daily extension rate. We allow these extended rentals to accommodate long-term cleanups, as it allows you to work at your own pace and is usually cheaper than renting another container for a few extra days. 

How to avoid extension fees

If you do not need your container beyond your rental period, be sure to call and schedule your pickup as soon as you’re finished working to avoid any additional daily fees. If you know you’ll need your dumpster past the rental period, ask one of our team members about the daily rates in your area so you can plan ahead.

Fees for Overloading the Dumpster

What is an overloaded dumpster?

If your debris is poking over the top of the container, your dumpster is overloaded. The problem with overloaded dumpsters is that they can create a safety hazard. Any debris that is not below the sides of the dumpster could fall out during pickup or transport, which can be dangerous for our drivers and others on the roadways. 

How should I properly load my dumpster to avoid fees?

In order to make the most of your space and avoid overloading your dumpster, we recommend loading up your largest and heaviest items into the dumpster first. You can carry bulky items inside using the dumpster’s loading door. As you load things up, try to stack them evenly throughout the container.  Break down and flatten as many items as possible and make sure nothing is draped over the sides or sticking above the top of the walls before scheduling your final pickup. 

Weight Overage Fees

What is an overage fee?

Landfills charge a set cost per ton to dispose of waste at their sites. Your dumpster rental includes a set weight limit that reflects the amount of debris that is covered within your flat rate. Going over this weight limit will result in a prorated overage fee per ton to make up the difference.

How can I avoid going over my dumpster’s 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, we will answer them to the best of our 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.  

 

When in Doubt, Always Call

If you’re ever uncertain about a debris item, your weight limit or any other aspect of the dumpster rental process, it’s always a good idea to touch base with our team. We’re also happy to discuss any questions you may have about your invoice. You can chat with one of our waste removal experts at 1-866-284-6164 Monday through Friday before, during and after your rental period.