A Complete Guide to Dumpster Rental Fees
Learn about dumpster fees and how to dodge them in this overview. With our guidance, you can keep your costs low and your dumpster rental stress-free.
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What Is a Dumpster Fee?
Dumpster rental fees are extra charges that apply when you exceed the terms of your rental agreement. This could include overfilling your bin or loading a restricted item that requires special processing.
When you place your order, we will send you a detailed service agreement that outlines what’s included with your dumpster. If you order on the phone, our team will review these terms with you. If you order online, you’re always welcome to call in with questions. We want you to have all the information you need to avoid fees outside of your upfront cost.
Follow the advice below as you prepare for delivery and pickup to save the expense of an additional charge.
Average Price and Timing of Dumpster Fees
The chart below shows the price range of each fee and when you can expect the charge to appear on your account. Keep in mind that the final cost varies based on a few factors, such as your area and debris type.
Average Dumpster Fees
Type of Fee | What Is It For? | Price Range | When Will I Be Charged? |
|---|---|---|---|
Disposal Fee | Covers extra processing at the landfill | $25 - $200 per item | After disposal |
Trip Fee | Applies when delivery conditions require us to make an extra trip | $195 - $350 | After attempted delivery or pickup |
Overage Charge | Applies when dumpster exceeds weight limit | $50 - $250 per ton | After disposal |
Overloading Fee | Applies when dumpster is filled beyond noted fill line | Trip Fee + the price of a new container (if needed) | After attempted pickup |
Extension Fee | Covers an as-needed extension of your rental period | $15 - $50 per day | At time of scheduling |
Late Cancellation Fee | Covers cancellations made after 3 p.m. on the business day before delivery | $150 | At time of cancellation |
Dig Out Fee | Charged when items must be dug out of dumpster at the landfill | $75 - $150 | After disposal |
Tow Fee | Applies when we need extra equipment to pick up the dumpster | Varies by market | At time of tow |
Wait Fee | Covers the time our driver spends waiting to make a delivery or pickup | Varies by market, typically charged per hour | At time of wait |
Fees for Schedule Changes
When you rent a dumpster with us, we’ll help you prepare for a smooth drop-off. Let us know as soon as possible if your plans change in the days leading up to delivery. Depending on the situation, we may charge a fee to cover the cost of adjusting our schedule to accommodate yours.
Trip Fee
If our driver arrives and cannot drop off or pick up your bin, we charge a fee to cover the cost of the trip. This applies if there are obstacles blocking the delivery site or the dumpster is overfilled.
Price Range: $195 - $350
Extension Fee
If you need to keep your bin beyond the seven to 10 days included in your rental agreement, we typically charge a flat daily rate for additional time. Schedule pickup on or before the last day of your rental period to avoid this extra expense.
Price Range: $15 - $50 per day
Late Cancellation Fee
We charge a fee if a dumpster rental is cancelled after 3 p.m. on the business day before your scheduled delivery. Let us know before that point and your cancellation is free.
Price: $150
Wait Fee
If our driver has to wait to deliver or pick up your container, we may charge a wait fee. This applies if our truck cannot reach the delivery site or you need more time to load or rearrange debris.
Price Range: Varies by market, typically charged per hour
Prohibited Item Fees
Certain types of waste are prohibited and can never go in a roll off dumpster. These items pose safety risks to you and others, so take them to a designated hazardous waste facility instead.
Some materials are restricted based on location because they require extra processing at the landfill. Depending on your area, you may be able to toss appliances, electronics and mattresses with the understanding that you’ll pay a disposal fee of $25 to $200 per item later on. Restricted and prohibited items are always noted in your service agreement, so you never need to guess what you can and can’t toss.
Fees for Overfilling Your Dumpster
There are two limits to keep in mind as you load your dumpster: the fill line and the weight limit. Debris should always stay below the fill line to ensure a smooth pickup, but your weight limit is more flexible. Use our weight calculators and get a size recommendation from our experts to get the best size bin for your project.
Overage Fee
Each dumpster comes with a weight limit to indicate how much debris is included in your quoted price. We start you out with a reasonable weight limit for each dumpster size, but it’s OK to go over that limit if you need to. We’ll measure the extra weight and charge you a pro-rated, per-ton fee so you only pay for what you throw away and nothing more.
Price Range: $50 - $250 per ton
Overloading Fee
If a dumpster is overloaded to the point that we can’t haul it away, we charge a trip fee to cover the cost of fuel and our driver’s time. Depending on the amount of debris, we may also need to deliver another dumpster to get everything off your property safely. To avoid this situation, keep debris below your dumpster’s fill line and make sure there are no pieces sticking out the top or over the sides. When disposing of heavy material, like dirt or concrete, rent our 10 yard bin and only fill it partway.
Price Range: Trip Fee + the price of a new container (if needed)
Difficult Pickup Fees
In certain conditions pickup and disposal require extra effort and equipment. If that happens, there are a few fees that may apply.
Tow Fee
Weather conditions sometimes make pickup and disposal challenging. If your bin becomes stuck, there is a charge to pull it out. Avoid this by keeping your dumpster shoveled out in snowy and icy conditions and by choosing a solid, flat surface for delivery. We’ll work with you to find a solid delivery site so you avoid a tow fee at pickup.
Price Range: Varies by market
Dig Out Fee
In low temperatures, landfills charge a dig out fee to remove debris that’s frozen to the sides and bottom of your container. Keep your bin covered with a waterproof tarp to protect the contents from snow and rain, and bag wet materials so they don’t saturate other items.
Price Range: $75 - $150
Dumpster Fees FAQs
What is a waste disposal fee and is it included in my dumpster rental?
A waste disposal fee is a charge applied when something is thrown in your dumpster that is restricted or prohibited according to your service agreement. Waste disposal fees cover the cost of special processing charged by the landfill.
If I’m charged a fee, when will I have to pay it?
The timing of your payment depends on the fee type. When you receive an overage fee, for example, you’ll see the charge on your account after disposal because we will only charge you once we have an official weight from the landfill. However, you would pay a wait fee on the spot. The chart at the top of the page explains the timing of each type of fee.
What is the payment process for dumpster rental fees?
We keep your information on file after processing your initial order. If you incur a fee, we’ll charge it to the same account and send you the invoice via email.
Will I have to pay a fee if I damage my dumpster?
Yes, you are responsible for any damage to your dumpster during the rental period. However, when you schedule delivery we’ll provide the tips and advice you need to avoid safety risks. Keep all hazardous chemicals out of your bin, as they can cause damage, and never fill your container beyond its maximum capacity. If you're worried about a dumpster damage charge, it's always a good idea to take a picture of the dumpster when it's first delivered. This way, you know exactly what it looked like when you received it.
Am I responsible if someone illegally dumps prohibited materials in my dumpster?
Yes, you are responsible for keeping prohibited items out of your bin. To protect yourself from illegal dumping, secure a tarp over your dumpster with bungee cords.
More Dumpster Rental Resources
FAQs
Learn everything you need to know about the dumpster rental process from our frequently asked questions.
Weight Calculators
Estimate the weight of your debris so we can match you up with the right dumpster for your project.
Service Dashboard
Change your delivery date, request pickup and order another dumpster right from your phone or laptop.