5 Ways to Avoid Dumpster Rental Overage Fees

5 Ways to Avoid Dumpster Rental Overage Fees

When you receive a quote for dumpster rental, especially from Oaks Dumpster Rental, you will have a clear idea of your total cost. However, prices can be affected by a variety of avoidable factors. Keep these in mind when dealing with your container rental.

Get the Right Size for the Job

One issue that people run into is that they fill their dumpster and still have more to throw out. This means your dumpster rental company needs to do an empty and return service so you can finish your job. This not only causes delays, it ends up costing you more.

Read our article on how to choose the right size dumpster, and call our helpful customer service team to help you determine the correct bin for your project.

Know What You Can’t Throw in a Dumpster

There are strict rules about what is acceptable to put into a dumpster. For example, you cannot place any hazardous chemicals, hot water tanks, gas, tires, or asbestos in a dumpster. Check with your company to find out what you can and cannot be placed inside. If you do put a prohibited item in your bin, you may incur a failed trip fee if we know about it (because we will not be able to take it until you remove the offending items), or a disposal fee from the landfill if we find the items when we take the dumpster in to be dumped and sorted.

It seems easy to toss everything into a dumpster, but remember that weight is a factor in your price. Consider each item you are throwing in — can it be donated, recycled, or sold? This may be a better option for larger furniture and other items.

Keep the Rain Out

Debris, regardless of what kind, is heavier when it is wet. Cover your dumpster with a tarp if it’s raining to keep water from soaking everything and increasing your load’s weight. Just one gallon of water can add up to eight pounds to your load weight.

Avoid Long-Term Rental If Possible

Don’t be tempted to extend your rental and keep your dumpster for weeks when it isn’t necessary. Most companies will be happy to extend your rental for as long as you need it — for a small fee per day. Those $10-20 fees add up very quickly.

Understand Your Rental Agreement

Every dumpster rental company provides you with information about your rental. You should make sure that you are informed of the cost of the dumpster size you have chosen, the period of time you are renting for, the weight allowance, cost per ton of weight exceeding the weight allowance, and if there are any fees for delivery beyond a particular zip code. For more information on dumpster rental, call Oaks Dumpster Rental at 866-649-6257. We’re happy to help!

Author | Jen Burton, General Manager
Oaks Dumpster Rental