An overweight fee is the most common surprise on a dumpster bill. The dumpster looks fine, but the load weighs more than the tons included in your rental, and the extra weight is charged per ton. Here is how it works and how to avoid it. This guide is part of our dumpster rental problems guide.
How Overweight Fees Work
Every dumpster size comes with a weight limit included in the price. Across the industry, limits typically fall between 1 and 5 tons depending on the size. The load is weighed at the disposal facility after pickup, and any weight above your limit is billed per ton. Ask for the included tons and the per-ton price for your size before you book.
Which Materials Cause Overweight Loads?
Heavy, dense debris fills the weight limit long before it fills the dumpster:
| Material | Approximate weight |
|---|---|
| Concrete | about 4,000 lbs per cubic yard |
| Dirt and soil | about 2,000 to 3,000 lbs per cubic yard |
| Asphalt shingles (one layer) | about 230 to 400 lbs per roofing square |
Wet material weighs more too. Rain-soaked shingles, wood, and drywall can add 10 to 20 percent. For heavy loads like concrete, see our concrete and heavy debris dumpsters.
How to Avoid Overweight Fees
- Tell us what you are throwing away before you book, especially concrete, dirt, brick, or shingles.
- Choose a size by weight, not by how much it holds. Heavy jobs often need a smaller dumpster filled only partway.
- Do not mix heavy and light debris if you can avoid it.
- Stay below the fill line and keep the load even.
- Keep rain off the load when you can.
- Ask us for the included tons and the cost per extra ton in writing.
What if I Get an Overweight Charge I Did Not Expect?
Ask for the weight ticket from the disposal facility. It shows the actual weight of your load, so you can check the math against your included tons and the per-ton price.
Need Help Picking the Right Size?
Call (920) 876-6287 or request a free quote. We will help you match the dumpster to your debris, and you can find more answers in our dumpster rental FAQ.