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  3. Understanding Overage Charges and How to Avoid Them

Understanding Overage Charges and How to Avoid Them

Contents

  • Why Overages Matter
  • How to Prevent Overages
  • Overage Charges and Billing Impact
  • Adjust Your Service

Related Articles

  • How do I change my services?
  • What are the charges on my WM invoice?
In this article

An overloaded container occurs when garbage or recycling extends above the rim, preventing the lid from closing completely or spilling onto the ground around it. It also includes any items placed on top of a closed container. Excess material may result in a missed collection or an additional charge to your account (varies by market area).

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Why Overages Matter

Keeping your container lids closed and all materials inside helps ensure consistent, reliable service. When containers are overfilled, it can cause delays, safety concerns, or additional charges. Staying within the container limit supports safe collection and helps us work efficiently to serve your community.

How to Prevent Overages

If you notice overages occurring frequently, it might be time to adjust your service to better suit your needs. Here are some steps you can take:

  1. Evaluate Your Waste Volume: Assess how much waste you generate regularly. If your current container size is insufficient, consider upgrading to a larger one or adding an additional container by clicking here.

  2. Schedule Additional Pickups (Business Customers Only): If you occasionally have more waste than usual, scheduling extra pickups can help manage the overflow.

  3. Properly Dispose of Large Items: Ensure large items are disposed of correctly to avoid overloading your container. Click here to see if bulk trash pickup is available in your area for large items.

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Overage Charges and Billing Impact

If your container is serviced while overfilled, an overage charge may appear on your invoice as a separate line item. The full amount of your invoice, including the overage charge, will be due on your invoice due date. If you are enrolled in AutoPay, the charge will be included in the amount withdrawn. This charge helps cover the additional handling and disposal required when materials exceed the container’s intended capacity. If you wish to dispute this charge, click Request Help to submit your request.

Review Overage Videos

To help you better understand any overage charges, we offer access to video or photo footage of your container at the time of service. Here’s what you need to know:

To View Your Video

Only commercial and residential customers with an online account are eligible to view available service videos.

  1. Log in to My WM. If you have more than one account, select the account you want to manage.

  2. Select the Services link at the top of the dashboard.

  3. Review any picture or video available for the service day in question.

Video Retention Period

Videos are retained for 6 months from the date of service. After this period, they are no longer accessible.

Stay Informed with Email Alerts

To receive notifications when an overage is recorded, make sure your communication preferences are up to date. You can manage these settings in your My WM account.

Need Help Accessing a Video?

If you’re unable to view a video or need footage older than 6 months, please use the Request Help button to contact us.

Adjust Your Service

Overfilled containers pose a safety risk to our communities and drivers. Temporary or permanent changes to your collection frequency, container size or number of containers can be arranged.

If you are currently a residential customer, container changes must be handled by a WM representative. Use the "Request Help" button below to submit your request.

For commercial customers, Follow the steps here to increase your services.

Was This Information Helpful?

Information in this article may be inapplicable to customers who receive service pursuant to a WM agreement with a municipality, association or other entity, or where applicable law requires differing terms of service.

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Related Articles

How do I change my services?

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What are the charges on my WM invoice?

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© 2026 WM Intellectual Property Holdings, LLC.

California Privacy Notice

Sitemap

Privacy Policy

Terms of Use

Service Terms & Conditions

Disputes/Arbitration

Accessibility

© 2026 WM Intellectual Property Holdings, LLC.

California Privacy Notice

Sitemap

Privacy Policy

Terms of Use

Service Terms & Conditions

Disputes/Arbitration

Accessibility