Sample Dumpster Rental Contract
- Nate Jones, CPCU, ARM, CLCS, AU
- Nov 9
- 5 min read
A clear, well-structured dumpster rental contract protects both the rental company and the customer. It lays out what’s included, what’s not, how fees are calculated, when payments are due, and who’s responsible for damages, weight overages, and prohibited materials.
Below you’ll find a plain‑English template you can customize for residential, commercial, or construction jobs. Before you use any contract, have it reviewed by your attorney to ensure it complies with your state and local laws.
What to Include in a Dumpster Rental Contract
Parties & Property: Legal names, service address, site contact.
Dumpster Specs & Service Window: Size (e.g., 10/20/30/40 yd), delivery/pickup dates, included rental days.
Waste Type & Prohibited Items: C&D, household junk, yard waste, roofing, heavy debris; list prohibited/hazardous items.
Weight Allowance & Overages: Included tons, landfill tickets, per‑ton charges beyond the allowance.
Access & Site Conditions: Clear path, overhead clearance, surface protection, responsibility for site damage.
Fees: Trip fees, contamination fees, daily rental extensions, wait time, relocation, dig-out, dry run, emergency pickup.
Customer Responsibilities: Loading level, door closure, weight distribution, securing site.
Permits & Compliance: Street/ROW permits, HOA rules, city ordinances.
Payment Terms: Deposit, due dates, card-on-file authorization, late fees, collections.
Risk Allocation: Liability, indemnification, assumption of risk, force majeure.
Termination: When either party can cancel, refunds, and re-stocking policies.
Photos/Documentation: Before-and-after photos, scale tickets.
Sample Dumpster Rental Contract Template
Disclaimer: This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Have a licensed attorney review and modify it for your jurisdiction and business.
DUMPSTER RENTAL AGREEMENT
This Dumpster Rental Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into as of the Effective Date by and between:
Rental Company: ______________________________ (“Company”)
Address: __________________________________________
Phone/Email: ______________________________________
Customer/Account Holder: _______________________ (“Customer”)
Billing Address: ____________________________________
Service Address (Drop Location): ______________________
On-Site Contact (Name/Phone): ________________________
Effective Date: //__________
1) SCOPE OF SERVICE
a) Company will deliver the following container(s):• Size: □10 yd □15 yd □20 yd □30 yd □40 yd Other: ________• Quantity: _____b) Included rental period: ____ days beginning on delivery date.c) Included weight allowance (per container): _______ tons.d) Waste type (select): □ Household □ Construction/Demolition (C&D) □ Roofing □ Yard Waste □ Heavy Debris (concrete/brick/dirt) □ Other: __________e) Services include one (1) delivery and one (1) final pickup. Additional hauls are billed per Section 6.
2) DELIVERY, SITE ACCESS & PLACEMENT
a) Customer authorizes placement at the Service Address as directed by the On‑Site Contact. If no contact is present, Company may use reasonable judgment.b) Customer warrants clear access: adequate width/length, overhead clearance (min. ___ ft), and ground surface capable of supporting truck and container weight.c) Company is not responsible for surface damage to asphalt, concrete, turf, pavers, curbs, or subsurface utilities due to weight/placement. Customer is advised to use plywood or protection at Customer’s expense.d) If delivery or pickup cannot be completed due to blocked access, overweight, overfilled container, or unsafe conditions, a dry‑run fee applies (see Section 6).
3) LOADING & MATERIAL RESTRICTIONS
a) Load level with top of container; no materials may protrude over sides or exceed weight limits.b) PROHIBITED MATERIALS (unless expressly pre‑approved in writing): liquids; hazardous waste; solvents; paints; oils; fuels; batteries; tires; appliances with refrigerants; medical/sharps; asbestos; railroad ties; electronics where restricted; dirt/rock/concrete in mixed loads; pressurized tanks; hot materials (e.g., from fires).c) Contaminated loads or prohibited items may incur rejection, return, remediation, or special handling fees (see Section 6) and may be returned to Customer at Customer expense.
4) WEIGHT, SCALE TICKETS & OVERAGES
a) Disposal is priced with an included weight allowance stated above. Actual disposal weight is determined by certified scale tickets.b) Overweight charges: $________ per ton (pro‑rated) for weight above allowance.c) Customer responsible for any inbound/outbound scale re-weigh fees required by facility.
5) RENTAL PERIOD, EXTENSIONS & PICKUP
a) Customer must request pickup at least business day(s) in advance.b) Daily extension fee after included rental period: $__/day per container.c) Company may retrieve container at the end of the agreed rental or if Customer breaches this Agreement.
6) FEES & CHARGES (if applicable)
• Delivery (each): $_________• Haul/Disposal (each): $_________• Additional haul/swap: $_________• Dry run / unable to service: $_________• Wait time (after ___ minutes): $____ per ___ minutes• Contamination / prohibited items handling: $_________ or cost+%• Overweight (per ton, pro‑rated): $______• Relocation on site: $_________• Weekend/after-hours/emergency service: $_________• Administrative/permit processing: $_________All fees are plus taxes, fuel/environmental surcharges, and third‑party facility charges where applicable.
7) PERMITS & LEGAL COMPLIANCE
a) Customer is responsible for obtaining and paying for any permits (street/ROW/HOA) and for compliance with applicable laws, ordinances, and facility rules.b) Customer assumes responsibility for fines/penalties arising from improper use or placement requested by Customer.
8) PAYMENT TERMS
a) Payment method: □ Credit/Debit □ ACH □ Other: ________b) Deposit (if any): $________ due upon scheduling; balance due prior to delivery unless net terms are approved in writing.c) Customer authorizes Company to charge card‑on‑file for all fees arising under this Agreement, including overages and post‑service charges supported by documentation (e.g., photos, scale tickets).d) Late payments accrue interest at ___% per month (or maximum allowed by law). Customer liable for reasonable collection costs, attorney fees, and returned‑payment fees.
9) RISK ALLOCATION; INDEMNITY
a) CUSTOMER ASSUMES THE RISK OF LOADING AND MATERIALS PLACED IN THE CONTAINER. CUSTOMER SHALL INDEMNIFY, DEFEND, AND HOLD HARMLESS COMPANY, ITS OWNERS, EMPLOYEES, AND AGENTS FROM CLAIMS, DAMAGES, FINES, AND COSTS ARISING OUT OF:(i) MATERIALS LOADED; (ii) SITE CONDITIONS; (iii) IMPROPER LOADING; (iv) LACK OF ACCESS; (v) CUSTOMER’S BREACH OF THIS AGREEMENT.b) IN NO EVENT SHALL COMPANY BE LIABLE FOR INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. COMPANY’S TOTAL LIABILITY SHALL NOT EXCEED THE AMOUNTS PAID BY CUSTOMER UNDER THIS AGREEMENT IN THE 90 DAYS PRECEDING THE CLAIM.
10) DAMAGE TO CONTAINER
Customer is responsible for loss or damage to the container beyond normal wear and tear, including theft, fire, vandalism, and relocation not authorized by Company.
11) FORCE MAJEURE
Company is not liable for delays or failures due to events beyond its reasonable control, including weather, strikes, facility closures, road restrictions, or government actions.
12) TERMINATION
Either party may terminate for material breach after written notice and a ___-day opportunity to cure, except breaches involving safety, illegal materials, or nonpayment may allow immediate suspension or termination.
13) PHOTOS & DOCUMENTATION
Company may take time‑stamped photos of placement and contents for safety and billing documentation. Scale tickets and facility notices may be provided upon request.
14) ENTIRE AGREEMENT; GOVERNING LAW
This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and is governed by the laws of the State of ____________. Modifications must be in writing and signed by both parties.
BY SIGNING BELOW, THE PARTIES AGREE TO THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT.
Company Representative: ______________________ Date: //____
Customer (Name/Title): ________________________ Date: //____
Pro Tip: Pair Your Contract with the Right Insurance with Wexford Insurance
Even with a solid contract, your business needs proper coverage (auto liability, GL, inland marine, pollution, workers’ comp, excess/umbrella). If you want help reviewing your risk profile and policy limits, I can connect you with specialists—or tailor a checklist for your operation.
FAQs
1) How do I handle prohibited items? List them clearly in the contract and in your order confirmation. Use photo documentation at delivery and pickup. If found, charge a contamination/special handling fee and, if necessary, return materials at customer expense.
2) What’s a dry‑run fee? A fee charged when the driver can’t deliver or pick up due to blocked access, unsafe conditions, overweight loads, or overfilled containers.
3) How do I prove weight overages? Provide certified scale tickets and keep them on file. Include pro‑rated per‑ton pricing in the contract.
4) Do I need permits? If placing on a public street, many cities require a right‑of‑way permit. Make it the customer’s responsibility unless you agree to process permits for a fee.
5) Can I charge for daily extensions? Yes—state the included rental days and the per‑day extension rate. Require customers to call off pickups to avoid confusion.
