Dumpster Rental Terms That You Must Know
It is important to understand the terms and conditions of a rental agreement before renting a dumpster or dump trailer. It will help avoid surprises, such as being charged for overages after the fact. Here are the things that you should know.
All about Weight Allowances
This is called the “weight allowance.” There are two significant reasons rental companies have it:
1. Trucks can only handle a certain amount of weight without being damaged or causing unsafe driving conditions.
2. Landfill dump fees are charged by the ton, so rental companies must limit the weight of each load to maintain a sustainable business.
The weight allowance for a dumpster can range from 1-8 tons or more, depending on the company. In some possibilities, you may be allowed to put an unlimited amount of weight in the dumpster, as long as you follow the rules about how high you can load it and don’t go over the top.
Overfill the Dumpster
If you load the roll-off above the set fill line, the dumpster company has the right to get rid of some or all load. In numerous cases, you as the customer are liable for unloading the material/debris until it yields to the rental company’s guidelines. By law, they cannot move the bin with trash, junk, or debris exceeding the top of the container. If this occurs, you would be responsible for getting rid of the trash. Alternatively, the driver may not choose the container at all, and you would have to pay a trip charge on your final invoice.
Rental Duration
The rental company will have a standard duration for renting their containers. Most companies offer a 7-day or 10-day rental period. You can often shorten or extend these terms, but there may be a small fee. If you need to pick up the container early, call the rental company and ask them to come to pick it up earlier. They may be able to do it the same day, but it’s best to plan.
Ending the Rental Early
Call the dumpster company if you want to end the rental and have the container picked up early. But you won’t get a discount for completing the rental agreement early. There’s no guarantee that they will be able to pick up the container that day or the next. It depends on their availability to send a truck to your site.
When the driver Can’t Pick Up the Rental
There are methods where the truck driver would not be able to pick up the loaded dumpster.
Here are three common reasons:
- The container is too heavy to carry. The truck can only take a certain amount, and if your load is heavier than that, the driver will have to leave it there.
- Hazardous materials or mixed wastes are dumped into the roll-off container. Most chemicals and flammable wastes are not allowed because it is unsafe for the driver to haul them. When you mix trash and debris with other things, like concrete, it can make it hard for the driver to take the container away from the job site.
- Something is blocking access to the dumpster. For example, a car is in the way. Be sure the truck driver has plenty of access to the dumpster during the scheduled pickup time.
Avoid Trip Fees
The driver will not be able to lift the container if it is too heavy, so make sure that you take out some of the debris before loading it. Additionally, make sure that you only put clean items in the container and do not mix in any trash or hazardous materials.
Fees May Vary Based on Location
If you want to get a dumpster for your trash, you will have to pay a distance fee. This fee pays for the dumpster company’s gas and driving time. If you live close to the dumpster rental company, you may not have to pay this fee. Get quotes from at least 2-to three dumpster companies to find the best price.
Which Wastes are Not Allowed?
Most rental companies cannot legally haul hazardous chemicals, liquids, flammable/explosive wastes, and other hazardous materials. If you have hazardous materials, waste haulers may take them away for an extra fee. If they find any prohibited wastes while emptying your dumpster, you will be charged an additional cost.
When is a Dumpster Permit Required?
If you like to put the dumpster on a street, sidewalk, or another public place, you need a permit. If you like to put it in your driveway or other private property, you usually don’t need a license. But it’s your responsibility to get the permits. Most dumpster rental companies are happy to help with this. You typically have to fill out a short form and pay a small fee to get a license.
When a “Move Fee” Applies
If you need to move the roll-off container to a different location on your property, there may be an additional charge. This fee is similar to the trip fee, and it usually costs between $50 and $150. The extra cost will apply if you do not place the container in the right spot or if you do not get a permit from the city. Remember, it is the customer’s responsibility to meet all the requirements for access.
Final Thoughts
Renting a roll-off dumpster in Miami is not complicated, but you need to follow the company’s terms of service. The tips and information above are a general outline of standard rental terms. But keep in mind that each company’s terms of service may be different.