What is a dumpster fee?
A dumpster rental fee is a supplementary charge added to a customer’s bill if they break the rental terms, like overloading your container or exceeding the weight limit. However, we take the time tell you about the agreement and everything included in our straightforward rates to help you avoid extra fees. The typical prices for these fees varies based on your particular situation, where you live and the debris types involved.
Types of Dumpster Fees and How to Avoid Them
While we bundle all of your basic disposal costs into one flat rate, we also review state laws and local landfill regulations you’ll need to keep in mind. Let’s break down the types of fees you might see on your bill and how to avoid them.
What Is a Disposal Fee?
Disposal fees happen when the landfill charges extra for certain materials because they require special handling. You may also see disposal fees if you toss an item that the landfill does not accept. If you’re unsure if you can throw out a particular item, call or contact us.
Average Cost: $100 – $200 per item
How to avoid a Disposal Fee:
Don’t toss in restricted items. Read up on what you can throw in a roll off in our Dumpster Info. Watch out for these common items that often result in additional charges.
- Bulk Waste. Some landfills charge more to sort and process recyclable items, like appliances and electronics, or large trash, like mattresses and upholstered furniture.
- Mixed Debris. If you rent a special-use dumpster, like a container only for concrete or yard waste, the sorting facility may not accept it if they find other items inside.
- Hazardous Waste. Items like batteries and paints are prohibited from landfills for environmental and safety reasons. Instead, look for a hazardous debris site near you.
What is a Trip Charge?
You’ll be charged a trip fee to cover fuel costs and route delays if the truck driver cannot drop off or pick up your dumpster due to obstacles that interfere with service.
Average Cost: $250
How to avoid a Trip Charge:
- Give Delivery Instructions. Provide detailed delivery instructions to make sure the driver places the dumpster where you need it. There will be a trip fee if we need to return to relocate the container.
- Check Height Requirements. The delivery truck needs 18 feet of vertical clearance to drop off a dumpster. Choose a spot with no low-hanging tree branches or power lines that would prevent delivery.
- Don’t Block the Way. Keep the area clear of vehicles and other obstacles that could block dumpster placement, and unlock gates so the delivery location is accessible to the driver.
What is an Overage Charge?
When you rent a dumpster, your price includes the container, disposal fees from the landfill and a certain amount of weight. If you go over that weight limit, the landfill typically charges a rate per ton.
Average Cost: $125 – $200 per ton
How to avoid an Overage Charge:
- Rent the Right Dumpster. To avoid unexpected fees, we’ll help you choose the right dumpster size for your debris and review all of the associated costs. You may even decide to factor a potential overage into your budget if you don’t think you’ll have enough debris to warrant a larger container or an empty-and-return.
What is an Overloading Fee?
If debris is overflowing or hanging over the sides of the dumpster, it cannot be safely transported to the landfill. Debris could fall out, causing personal injuries or property damage.
Average Cost: $250 + the price of a new container (if needed)
How to avoid an Overloading Fee:
Keep debris level with the fill line. Follow these tips when loading your dumpster to avoid acquiring a fee for a container that’s too full.
- Remember the weight limit.
- Load debris evenly, filling gaps.
- Place bulky items at the bottom.
- Break down boxes or large pieces.
| When Do Extension Fees Apply?
Our generous rental periods typically range up to 7 days giving you the freedom to clean up on your schedule. But we’re flexible if you need extra time. Just let us know, and we can extend your rental for a low daily rate. |
Let Us Know When You’re Ready for Pickup.
We won’t pick up your container until you let us know you’re done filling it up. To avoid extension fees when you don’t need extra time, make sure to contact us before the last day of your rental period, and we’ll remove the dumpster promptly. |
OR CALL US 844.220.DUMP
Other Fees
- Cancellation Fee: If you need to cancel your order, the amount of the charge will depend on when you let us know about the cancellation.
Average Cost: $150 – $250 - Dig Out Fee: If debris is frozen inside your dumpster, the landfill will have to dig it out in order to empty it, resulting in a charge.
Average Cost: $150 - Tow Fee: Be careful about where you request delivery. If the dumpster sinks into the ground as you fill it up, we’ll have to charge you to pull it out. We’ll work with you to find the best spot for the bin.
Average Cost: Varies by county & available tow companies. - Wait Fee: You’ll be charged a fee if the driver has to wait to deliver or pick up the container. This can include waiting for you to remove obstacles, offload debris or finish filling the dumpster.
Average Cost: $100 – $200
Average Costs and Schedule of Dumpster Fees
The prices below show the average cost of each type of fee outlined above and when you can expect to be charged. These costs can be dependent on several factors, like location, debris type and the particular situation, so exact charges may vary. Follow the tips we provided to help you avoid these charges and lower the cost of your dumpster rental.
| Type of Fee
Disposal Fee |
Average Cost
$100 – 200 per item |
When I’m Charged
After disposal |