The clauses in a waste hauling agreement that cost you money
A commercial dumpster, roll-off or compactor agreement is usually two documents: a page of service details (sites, containers, rates, start date) and the hauler's standard terms. These ten clauses in the standard terms decide what you really pay and when you can leave. They're in the order they usually appear.
- § 1Automatic renewalThe agreement renews itself for another term unless you give notice in a set window.
- § 2Notice windowNotice to end the agreement counts only between two dates before the term ends.
- § 3Price increasesMost agreements let the hauler raise rates for listed reasons, and for any reason if you don't object.
- § 4Fuel, environmental and admin feesPercentage fees set by the hauler sit on top of the rate, and some are charged on each other.
- § 5Liquidated damagesEnding the agreement outside the notice window triggers a charge, usually a number of months of billing.
- § 6Exclusivity and right of first refusalThe hauler may be the only one allowed to collect, and may get to match any competing offer.
- § 7Service changes and term resetChanges to containers or frequency can be agreed by phone, and may carry the term forward.
- § 8Equipment, access and contaminationYou are responsible for the hauler's container, safe access and what goes in it.
- § 9Extra chargesPer-occurrence charges for overfilled containers, extra trips, minimums and late payment.
- § 10Disputes and third-party agentsDisputes go to arbitration, and the hauler may refuse to deal with anyone acting for you.
Have the agreement in front of you?
Paste it into the contract clause reader. It marks each of these clauses in your text, pulls out the day counts, percentages and multiples, and links back here.
Where the evidence comes from
Each page quotes or paraphrases the haulers' own published terms and fee disclosures, plus the few laws that limit them, with numbered links to every source. See all sources.