Understanding Your Dumpster Rental Terms & Conditions
After placing your dumpster rental, it’s very important that you read over the details of the terms and conditions within the rental agreement. Many people don’t properly read through the provided terms and conditions before signing, which usually results in issues that could have easily been avoided, had they read thoroughly.
To ensure your rental goes as smooth as possible and to avoid additional charges read the tips below!
How Much Weight is Included?
When you rent a dumpster you are given a maximum weight limit. We provide a weight limit when placing your order, and again on your customer invoice. The reason you are given a weight limit is pretty simple, one reason is that the trucks can only handle a certain amount of weight. If a dumpster is on schedule for removal and is overfilled, attempting to remove it could potentially damage the truck and or cause unsafe conditions for our drivers. Aside from safety purposes, landfills are not owned by dumpster companies, they are federally regulated, and charge per ton. In order to keep business afloat we must set weight limits on each load.
Remember, be careful not to overload the container or exceed the weight provided when disposing heavy debris such as concrete, dirt, and roofing materials. Most of our dumpsters have a fill line inside of the dumpster to help you stay under the weight limit.
What Happens If the Dumpster is Overfilled?
If you overfill your dumpster above the top of the container, the driver will have no choice but to leave the dumpster at the property. It is unlawful to haul a dumpster with debris exceeding the top of the dumpster. If this happens be prepared to pay a ‘Dry Run Fee’, as the driver must get paid for their time regardless of the issues onsite.
Remember, even if you cannot be on site during the removal, the driver may remove some debris at their discretion. If this occurs, they would leave the debris onsite, alternatively, the driver may not pick up the dumpsters. If this happens you will be charged the “Dry Run Fee”
Explaining Rental Duration
Each dumpster rental invoice states a rental duration. Typically our rentals go from 7-10 days, however we do offer longer rental terms if your project requires more time. Typically there will be a fee associated with extending your rental period. The most important thing to remember, is that you MUST call in for a removal when you are finished with your rental. If you would like to avoid additional daily fees, please call in for removal within your rental period. If you do not call in for a removal, your dumpster will not be removed and you will be charged everyday that you go over.
Once you’ve called in for your removal, the container will be picked up within 24-72 hours. Be sure to make clear access to the dumpster, especially if you don’t plan on being there for the removal. Remove any vehicles, machinery or additional debris from the area, remember the drivers will not remove a container they cannot access.
Relocating Your Dumpster
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 relocation fee, which is similar to a trip fee. This fee may vary depending on your location and dumpster size.
Removing Your Dumpster Early
If you’re finished using your dumpster earlier than your contract days include, all you have to do is call us for a removal! Please keep in mind you will not receive a discount for ending the rental agreement early, additionally there is a 24-72 hour pick up window. The dumpster may be removed at any point in that time period, if you know you need your dumpster removed by X day, be sure to contact us at least 72 hours prior to that date.
What Happens 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 Dumpster is Overfilled and/or Too Heavy to Remove
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 in the Dumpster
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.
Each of 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.
Avoiding 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 Does My Quote Include
At Ultimate Dumpsters our quotes include all of the actual fees upfront. When we give you our price it includes, delivery, pick up, disposal fees, and rental duration and permits (if required). In your contract you will see an overview of the breakdown as well as any additional costs that can be associated with your rental. These additional costs are listed on the invoice to ensure you understand the cost of going over your rental days and included weight, as well as any miscellaneous fees such as hazardous or forbidden materials.
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. Check with your town to see if you would need a permit for your rental, we can go ahead and get the permit for you and include it in your overall price.
What Waste is Not Allowed
Every municipality has their own local laws and regulations, however most of the waste that is not allowed in dumpsters is the same. You cannot put hazardous materials, chemicals, liquids, and flammable/explosive materials inside of the dumpster.
Here are some examples of materials that are not allowed in dumpsters:
- Paint (dried paint may be accepted)
- 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)
- Mattresses and box springs
Additional fees will be applied if any prohibited wastes are discovered during the disposal of your dumpster.
Renting a dumpster is by no means a difficult process, it’s actually pretty simple! Be sure to read over the invoice, and terms and conditions when renting your dumpster to fully understand what responsibility you still have. At Ultimate Dumpsters, we like to make renting a container as easy as possible, but we cannot do that without your diligence! We hope this guide helps you better understand your rental terms, and helps to avoid any issues that could occur.
If you have any questions regarding our rental terms or have a question about your own order, contact us now! Our team of customer service professionals will be happy to help you better understand the rental process.