What will be the schedule for collections?

Frequency of collections should be based on need and volume. Waste collections can be available at one, two, three, or more pickups per week and on set days. For recyclables collection, some businesses might prefer to have the hauler ”on-call”, picking up recyclables when a certain weight or volume has been reached. Larger companies might generate enough recyclable materials to warrant a set schedule of collections. Ask if the hauler will work to ensure efficient collection of waste or recyclables by monitoring volumes and will advise you of any need to adjust the collection schedule.

How much notice is required for an unexpected pickup?

Investigate “on-call” pickup procedures, as fluctuations in your business can affect the volume of waste or recyclables.

What is the fee for pickup?

Fees may be provided on a monthly basis, depending on the number of pickups and size of container(s). “On-call” pickups would be charged per pickup and depend on the size of the waste container or amount of recyclables. Extremely low prices can be an indicator that your waste/recyclables will be illegally dumped.

If the hauler is to provide both waste and recyclables collection, will he include recycling pickup at a cost that could be adjusted as solid waste quantities decrease?

As waste quantities decrease, collection containers could be downsized (or the number reduced) and the number of collections reduced. Therefore, the hauler could decrease waste service and add recycling pickup with minimal adjustments in overall service.

Does the hauler lease or rent exterior recycling storage containers (dumpsters or roll-off containers)?

Ask about the sizes and styles available and the rental or lease fees for each.

Who is responsible for repairs to a dumpster or roll-off container?

Make sure repair responsibility is included in the contract.

How often is the dumpster or roll-off container cleaned?

In the summer, large roll-off units need monthly cleaning to reduce odors. If you permit them to be cleaned at your business, there will be debris and cleaning chemicals dumped onto the pavement or ground.

Where does the hauler intend to take the waste or recyclables?

You are responsible for your own waste or recyclables, so you need to ensure that the hauler will take your waste or recyclables to a legitimate landfill or recycler. Especially in the case of recyclables, construction and demolition debris, and land clearing debris, if you have not contracted with a particular landfill or recycler, you need to ensure that the hauler takes your material to a legitimate facility. You may want to pay half the hauling costs when the load is collected and the other half after the hauler returns with a receipt from the facility. You may want to check with the receiving facility for assurances of delivery. Also, discuss any actions you would take against the hauler if your recyclables are taken to a disposal facility rather than a recycler.