Dumpsters have strict weight limits. Heavier materials like, ceramic of vinyl tile, concrete backer board, large amounts of drywall, concrete, dirt, or roof shingles can easily exceed these limits, leading to unanticipated fees.

What you can do:

There are several ways to minimize or avoid overage fees altogether:

1. Watch out for Dirt: Make sure you do not accidentally include dirt with your debris. If loading by machine, use an excavator or grapple versus a skid steer, which can accidentally scoup up a lot of unnecessary dirt.
2. The “Half-Way” Rule: For extremely dense materials like concrete or bricks, fill the dumpster halfway (approximately 2-3 feet high in a 20-yard bin) to stay within legal transport weight limits.
3. Keep It Dry: Wet debris is significantly heavier; for example, 600 lbs of dry garbage, insulation or drywall can double in weight when water-soaked. Always cover your dumpster with a tarp during rain or snow to prevent absorption.
4. Separate Your Loads: If you have both light and heavy debris, consider renting two smaller dumpsters—one for “clean” heavy fill (like concrete or dirt) and another for general junk.
5. Recycle: Some landscaping or masonry companies may accept clean dirt, rocks, or concrete for free or at a much lower cost than a landfill.

If your debris includes significant amounts of heavy materials, let us know in advance, we will work with you on how you can minimize overage charges.