Extra charges: overages, extra pickups and minimums
On top of the monthly rate, most agreements allow per-occurrence charges for overfilled containers, extra pickups, minimum lifts, container moves and late payment, usually at the hauler's prevailing rates. They are where invoices drift upward without any change in the rate.
Which extra charges are common?
Republic's published terms allow additional charges at its prevailing rates for extra service, extra yards, minimum lift, contamination, service attempts, and container delivery, relocation, removal and exchange.[1] Its disclosure describes an overage charge when waste exceeds the container's capacity, meaning the lid won't close, detected by the driver or by cameras.[2] For roll-offs, its terms allow rent or a minimum lift charge if the container isn't hauled at least once a month.[1]
Published franchise rate sheets show what these cost in practice. Union City's 2026 sheet lists an extra pickup of a 4 cubic yard trash bin at $138.34 and an overage charge of $55.42 after a warning notice.[3] Tehachapi's lists an extra pickup or return trip at $53.51.[4]
What about late fees and suspension?
Republic's terms set payment within 20 days of the invoice, allow a late fee and an insufficient-funds fee in amounts at its discretion up to the legal maximum, let it suspend service if an invoice is 60 days unpaid, and add a service interruption fee.[1] WM's terms set payment within 30 days.[5] A hauler concerned about credit may also ask for a deposit: Republic's terms allow one equal to two months' charges where the law permits.[1]
How do you keep extra charges in check?
- Attach a schedule of every extra charge, in dollars, to the agreement, fixed for the term.
- Require a photo or camera image for each overage or contamination charge.
- Agree a warning before the first overage charge, as Union City's franchise does.[3]
- Review three months of invoices for repeats; resize the service rather than paying recurring extras.
Questions buyers ask
- What is an overage charge on a waste bill?
- A charge for waste above the container's capacity, typically when the lid won't close. Haulers detect it by driver report or truck cameras.
- What is a minimum lift charge?
- A charge when a container, often a roll-off, isn't emptied as often as the agreement assumes. Republic's terms allow rent or a minimum lift charge if a roll-off isn't hauled at least once a month.
Sources
- Customer Service Agreement: Terms and Conditions (Sacramento edition), Republic Services. Read 2026-10-28.
- Fee disclosures, Republic Services. Read 2026-10-28.
- City of Union City Commercial Rates, July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027, Republic Services / City of Union City, CA. Read 2026-10-28.
- City of Tehachapi 2026-2027 Rate Schedule (effective July 1, 2026), City of Tehachapi, CA / WM. Read 2026-10-28.
- Terms and Conditions for Commercial and Roll Off (Canada), WM. Read 2026-10-28.