Understanding Dumpster Rental Terms & Conditions

Before you rent a dumpster, it’s very important that you fully understand the details of the terms and conditions within the rental agreement. Many people don’t read through the provided terms and conditions before signing, some sometimes can cause confusion and chaos. To help avoid any surprises such as additional charges being added to your final bill due to overages, read these tips below and become better informed!

What’s Your Allowed Weight?

Typically when you rent a dumpster you are given a maximum weight limit by your rental company. There are two main reasons rental companies have set weight limits, one being that the trucks can only handle a certain amount of weight. If the dumpster exceeds the provided limit it could damage the truck and or cause unsafe driving conditions. Aside from safety purposes, landfills charge dump fees by ton, in order to maintain business, rental companies have to set weight limits on each load.

Each dumpster rental company has different weight allowances, they can range anywhere from 1 to 8 tons or more, in rare cases you may be offered an unlimited amount of weight, however you still have to follow the rules of loading the dumpster to a specific height, as the debris can never exceed the top of the container. Be careful of exceeding the weight provided when disposing heavy debris like concrete, dirt, and or shingles. Most dumpsters have a fill line inside the dumpster to help you stay under the weight limit.

What happens when you overfill the dumpster?

If you go over the dumpsters designated fill line, the dumpster rental company has the right to remove some or all of the load. Most of the time, you, the customer, will be responsible for unloading the debris until the load complies with the companies policy. Keep in mind it’s unlawful to haul a dumpster with debris exceeding the top of the dumpster.

If you can not be on site during the dumpster pick up, the driver may remove some debris at their digression in order to comply with local rules and regulations. If this occurs, they would leave the debris onsite, whatever is left you would be responsible for disposing. Alternatively, the driver may not pick up the dumpster, if this happens you will be charged an additional trip fee on your final invoice.

Rental Duration

Your rental companies terms and conditions should state the standard rental duration, most of the time a 7-10 day rental period is the norm, but you can ask for a longer rental term if your project requires more time. Usually there will be a daily fee for extending your rental period, if you end up finishing your project earlier, you must call your rental company and request a pick up. Most companies will not pick up your dumpster if you do not call in for a final removal, if you don’t they will charge you everyday that you go over. Once you’ve placed your pick up request, your container should be delivered within 24 to 48 hours, it’s best to plan ahead so your return goes smoothly.

Removing Your Dumpster Early

To remove your dumpster earlier than your contract states, all you have to do is call the dumpster rental company for an early pick up. Remember, you will not receive a discount for ending the rental agreement early, there is also no guarantee the dumpster rental company will pick up the container that same day or even the next as the companies schedules depend on their availability to get a truck to your location.

What Will Happen if the Driver Can’t Pick Up the Dumpster?

There are a few scenarios where the driver may not be able to take your dumpster, here are three common reasons why:

1. The container is overfilled and/or too heavy to pick up

Dumpster trucks have a maximum lifting and carrying capacity, and if your waste exceeds that amount, the driver has no other option than to leave the container onsite.

2. Hazardous materials or mixed wastes are dumped into the roll-off container

Chemicals, flammable wastes, and hazardous materials are not allowed in dumpsters. It is unsafe for the driver to haul these types of debris, mixing trash and debris into a ‘clean load dumpster’ are dumpsters that are only supposed to be filled with one type of debris, such as concrete. This could result in the driver not hauling away the dumpster.

3. Something is blocking access to the dumpster

If a car is in the way of the dumpster, the truck will not be able to remove it. Make sure the driver has plenty of space to access the dumpster during the scheduled pick up.

These mistakes can becomes costly, if the driver attempts to remove the container and can not do so, you will be charged a dry run fee for their time. Dry run fees cover the time, and cost of fuel, the driver spent while attempting to remove your dumpster. This fee may vary depending on the company you use, but you should expect to receive a charge each time the driver comes to your site.

How to avoid trip fees

There are a few ways you can avoid trip fees, as well as resolve the issue at hand so the driver may remove the dumpster:

• Have the dumpster debris loaded under the top of the container (to the fill line). Most municipalities require this for safety purposes during transport of the container.
• Don’t mix trash and other wastes in with clean-loaded containers, if trash does somehow get mixed in, remove it.
• Remove any hazardous wastes that may have gotten mixed into the load.
• If the driver can’t lift the container due to weight, remove some of the debris to accommodate the weight limits of the truck.

What’s included in a quote?

When you are given a quote by a dumpster rental company, they may not include all of the actual fees they charge. Quotes will typically include delivery, pick up, and disposal, along with a set amount of time (usually between 7-10 days). Other charges and fees that are not always included in a quote may include:

• Taxes
• Additional days
• Overages
• Hazardous materials
• Trip charges
• Permits

These charges may not apply in every situation, for example, you won’t be charged for a permit if one isn’t required. Keep in mind Waste Solutions 123 includes delivery, pick up, disposal, days, permits, and weight in our quotes. You can call us today and receive a free quote by one of our expert project managers.

What Waste is Not Allowed

Depending on your areas local laws and regulations, most rental companies cannot legally haul hazardous materials, chemicals, liquids, and flammable/explosive materials. Here are some examples of materials that are not allowed in dumpsters.

• Paint (dried paint may be accepted, ask your dumpster provider to be sure)
• Car fluids (e.g., oil, transmission fluid, antifreeze, etc.)
• 55 gallon drums
• Asbestos debris
• Herbicides, fertilizers and pesticides
• Batteries
• Appliances containing Freon (e.g., refrigerators)

Some waste haulers may take some of these hazardous items for an additional fee if you separate them from the load. Additional fees will be applied if any prohibited wastes are discovered during  the disposal of your dumpster.

When Would I Need a Permit?

Permits are typically required when the dumpster is being placed on the street or any other public property. If you plan on having the dumpster placed in your driveway or private property, a permit will not be required. In most cases it will be your responsibility to get the necessary permits. At Waste Solutions 123 we will get the necessary permits for you and include them in our price.

Moving Fees

If you end up needing the dumpster moved from one location to another on your property after it has been placed, you will be charged a moving fee, which is similar to a trip fee. This fee may vary depending on the company but it will usually be the same as a trip fee.

Damage to Property (e.g., Driveway, Curb, Sidewalks and Yard)

Dumpster companies are usually not responsible for any damage that occurs on customer’s property. While most are insured for damage, as the customer it’s best to ask about their damage policy before you rent the dumpster. Remember to read the fine print on the rental agreement before signing.

Keep in mind, if your driveway or yard being damaged is a concern, you can request plants to be put down under the dumpsters wheels.

No Refunds or Credit for Rain or Snow

Always keep in mind that rain and snow can saturate the debris in your dumpster, making it heavier than normal. This will cause the total weight of the load to increase, and potentially lead to an increase in the final cost. Rain and snow will effect your cost if your rental fee is based on the total weight of the load, rather than a flat fee, if the weight of the load exceeds the weight allowance than overage fees will also be added to your final bill.

Remember dumpster rental companies are not responsible for any additional weight that results from rain or snow, as they will have to pay for the extra weight at the landfill upfront, leading to an additional charge for you, the customer.

Tip: Place a tarp over the dumpster during rain or snow storms to reduce the amount of moisture entering the dumpster that can lead to saturated debris.

Renting a roll off dumpster is not a difficult process, and is fairly simple to understand. Just make sure you have read over the companies terms and conditions to avoid any issues that could occur during your rental. We hope these tips can help you when renting a roll off, remember to call the experts at Waste Solutions 123 first when looking for a dumpster rental!