What's an Overcharge Fee? (And How to Avoid It)

Nobody likes surprise fees—especially when it comes to waste hauling. If you’ve ever noticed an overage charge on your bill, it likely means your dumpster was too full, too heavy, or hard to access. The good news? A few simple tweaks can help you avoid those fees and save money.

What’s an Overage?

An overage charge happens when a dumpster is overfilled or exceeds its weight limit. It often looks like debris stacked on lids or waste left on the ground near the dumpster.

Many haulers, like us add this fee because handling excess waste costs more.

Why Do Overages Happen?

The most common reasons businesses get hit with extra waste hauling fees:

🚛 Overfilled Dumpsters – Waste sticking out over the top? That’s an easy way to get charged.
⚖️ Too Heavy – Some materials (like wet cardboard or food waste) make dumpsters heavier than expected.
🚧 Blocked Access – If the truck can’t reach your bin, you might be charged for a missed pickup.
🚫 Wrong Materials – Tossing in unapproved waste (like hazardous items or bulky junk) can lead to extra fees.

How to Save Money on Waste Hauling

💡 Check Your Dumpster Regularly – Keep an eye on fill levels to avoid overflow.
💡 Break It Down – Flatten boxes and compact waste to make the most of your space.
💡 Keep the Area Clear – Make sure your dumpster is easy for haulers to access.
💡 Right-Size Your Service – If you’re constantly overfilling or paying for half-empty pickups, it’s time to adjust your bin size or pickup schedule.

Hillside Solutions Can Help

As Omaha’s eco-friendly waste management company, we help businesses cut waste, lower costs, and stay landfill-free whenever possible.

✔️ Waste Audits – We’ll assess your waste stream and suggest the best setup.
✔️ Right-Sized Plans – No more overages! We’ll make sure you have the perfect bin size and pickup schedule.
✔️ Composting & Recycling Options – Diverting waste from landfills can reduce your overall costs.
✔️ Ongoing Support – Need to make adjustments? We’ve got your back.

Let’s Keep It Simple

If you want to cut costs and reduce waste, we’re here to help. Let’s chat.