Overages In Waste Management: Learn What Causes Them And Steps To Take To Avoid Them
Overages are a daily occurrence in the waste management industry. Everything from trash steeped too high in a container with the lids overflowing to obstructed enclosures with trash on the ground outside of an enclosure are some of the typical industry causes for overages. Overage charges run anywhere from as low as $6 an incident to as high as $560 an occurrence. While being in a higher economic region may contribute to the cost of an overage, the issue remains a problem nationwide. What’s more, some specific overage charges are more expensive than the others, noted Adi Andrews, Escalations and Sales Specialist, Waste Cost Solutions. “Some haulers do not charge for overages at all, while others will slay you with their fees. It really depends on the hauler,” Andrews added.
In addition to trash steeped too high into a dumpster or waste container, along with the lids on a dumpster overflowing with debris, there are other reasons why an establishment will be charged an overage fee. Excess garbage outside a dumpster, either in bags, boxes or flowing freely on the ground is another cause for an overage. A locked gate on an outdoor enclosure is another concern, while a dumpster or an enclosure obstructed by a vehicle or anything else may also be cause for alarm.
“Generally anything that prevents or hinders a hauler from removing the trash from a dumpster in an outdoor enclosure will accrue an overage charge. We’ve seen everything from storage containers and construction dumpsters to cars, trucks, tires and even kegs of beer blocking the gates or entranceway of an enclosure. This ultimately prevented a hauler from gaining access and they were unable to make a pickup,” commented Andrews. “Sometimes adverse weather conditions, such as several feet of snow in front of an enclosure, can also hinder a pickup and ultimately create an overage charge,” noted Andrews.
As a rule, most haulers will take care of the issue at hand when it involves an overflow, record it and then add an overage assessment. Since almost all drivers have mobile phone or tablets with cameras, and many trucks now have cameras installed, they are able to do this. In some cases, a hauler will see the overflow, take a picture and leave to get approval prior to re-servicing the client. In the case of a locked or obstructed enclosure, the driver will take a photo and return once the blocked issue has been resolved. There may actually be two charges: an overage charge for the hauler having to return, as well as the hauler having to handle the overflow once they’ve returned. Needless to say a great deal of time and money is spent to rectify these issues
We always advise our clients to follow our Bin Basics Diagram, which clearly outlines what you should and should not place inside or besides a dumpster. We also recommend the following to our clients to prevent overages from taking place at their establishments:
1. Avoid Overflowing Debris in a dumpster.
2. Ensure the lids on your dumpster are closed properly and no waste or debris is protruding outwards.
3. Ensure that there is no trash on the ground or beside your dumpster.
4. Make sure the gate on the enclosure is locked
5. Make certain nothing is obstructing the dumpster, either a vehicle, object or debris.
6. Ensure that boxes are broken down properly in the recycling container.
Businesses should also be aware of unjustified overage charges, especially those involving late pickups. The hauler could be a day late in the pickup and take a picture of an overloaded dumpster, resulting in overage charge as well. If this happens to you, contact Waste Cost Solutions and we’ll contact the hauler to have the charge reversed.
At Waste Cost Solutions we earnestly work to resolve any waste, recycling and facilities-related issue your business may have. Our team of specially trained agents are solution specialists who expressly work for you and your business. From overloaded dumpster issues with overages to staying up-to-date with local and state ordinances, Waste Cost Solutions is with you day in and day out.
Whether your business needs to stay up to date with the latest ordinances or your business requires facilities services, including dumpster sanitizing, window cleaning, air conditioning service and repair, bulk removal request or enclosure repair and replacement, Waste Cost Solutions is here to assist you every step of the way. In addition to our comprehensive waste management and facilities services, Waste Cost Solutions also offers a variety of dumpster options, including 2 yard dumpsters and 4 yard dumpsters, as well as junk removal services for your convenience. Contact us today at 800-509-5399 or email us
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