Dumpster Overage Fees: Why You Need to Avoid Them

Proper planning and preparation can be the difference between a consistent, reliable final bill — or an unexpected financial surprise.

Dumpster overage charges, for example, are a common occurrence. It’s easy to forget that all those apple cores or dirty laundry you’re discarding are taking up extra space — and costing you extra money.

To play it safe with your dumpster rental agreement and costs, take the time to consider all details ahead of quoting local providers for debris disposal services. That way, you won’t have any unwanted surprises in store when that last invoice arrives!

These 6 tips will help ensure any charges don’t catch you off guard after your project ends.

1. Consider the Size of Your Project

Are you working on a minor repair or completely renovating an entire property? The larger the project, the more likely you will generate more waste.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, homeowners can generate up to 20 pounds of waste per day. That’s why it’s essential to consider the volume and type of debris before you sign your agreement.

It’s like that famous line — “you’ll need a bigger boat!”

2. Dumper Overage: Choosing the Right Size

The best rule of thumb is to rent a dumpster bigger than the size you expect. But how do you still know what size?

In most cases, it’s easy to find a dumpster size chart online that can help you make an educated guess. Here’s how our sizing works:

6-yard dumpster — One of the smallest roll-off units money can buy! 6-yard dumpsters can hold up to 4k pounds of debris — no sweat. It’s best for small kitchen remodels, attic and garage cleanouts, and siding replacements.
10-yard dumpster — Again, this is an excellent unit for small-scale projects. It holds around 6,000 lbs of debris, enough to fill up to 50–60 trash bags!
15-yard dumpster — If you’re tackling a bigger project, this is a great choice. This dumpster can hold up to 6,000 lbs of debris, enough to fill up to a shingle job or a small kitchen remodel, for example!
20-yard dumpster — Three-car garage cleanouts, roof tear-off, small demolition projects and roofing jobs of around 2,200 square feet can fit in these dumpsters. Overall these units can manage about 8,000 pounds of debris.
30-yard dumpster — Measuring at 22 feet long and 8 feet wide, these dumpsters can fit up to 10,000 pounds of debris. Perfect for large home remodels, new home builds, demolitions and large roofing jobs.

3. Keep The Rain Out

It’s easy to forget, but dumpsters can quickly overflow with rainwater if you’re not careful.

One of the best ways to prevent this is to buy a tarp to cover the top. This will protect the contents from inclement weather and help keep them dry.

4. Donate or Recycle Instead

Before renting a dumpster, consider donating usable items to charities in your area. One man’s trash, right? You can also find recycling centers that can take items like furniture, appliances, and paper products.

It’s a great way to get rid of unwanted materials in an environmentally friendly way.

5. Share the Costs with a Friendly Neighbor

Many communities are now allowing neighbors to share dumpsters. This is a great way to save money on renting a dumpster while still getting the job done.

Plus, it’s an excellent way to get to know your neighbors better!

6. Know What Is and Isn’t Allowed

Most dumpster rental companies won’t accept hazardous waste — like batteries, paint, and aerosol cans.

Check with your local provider to see what materials you can put in the dumpster. This will help ensure you don’t get charged extra fees.

In the end, knowing these 6 tips can help you save time and money on your dumpster rental disposal services. With these tips, you’ll be able to get the job done quickly and safely, helping ensure any charges don’t catch you off guard after your project is complete. Good luck!

Happy dumping!