FAQ

Residential Service FAQ
What time will my garbage and recycling be picked up?

Your cart should be at the curb and accessible to the driver prior to 5:00 am. If your trash has not been picked up by 3:00 pm please call our office.

What can I recycle?

Please visit our RESIDENTIAL CURB-SIDE SERVICE page for a complete list of acceptable recyclables.

Will the driver pick up garbage outside of the cart?

If you find you have more trash than will fit in the cart from week to week, you may wish to add an additional cart to your service. Please call the office to arrange for an extra cart. If you only have extras occasionally, you may put out an extra personal cart with handles, or bagged garbage/recycling. It should not exceed 50 lbs. The driver must be able to pick it up safely.

What do I do with large items I need to dispose?

Your service includes two large items per month at no additional cost. Bulk items are anything that does not fit in your cart or in a bag, but there are restrictions. Please call the office to schedule a special pickup so we can go over allowable items, how to package them, and alert your driver.

May I dispose of yard waste?

We do not accept leaves. Grass clippings and other garden debris must be bagged and placed in your Total Disposal trash cart. Tree limbs can be taken as a bulk item, but must be trimmed and scheduled in advance. Please call our office for details.

What can't I put in the cart?

You may not dispose of any radioactive, hazardous, volatile, explosive, corrosive, highly flammable, infectious, bio-hazardous, or toxic material as defined by applicable federal, state, or local laws or regulations. Due to state environmental regulations you may not dispose of any electronics, fluorescent bulbs or tubes. No tires, batteries or construction debris such as wood, pallets, drywall, plaster, roofing, siding, concrete or brick may be placed in the dumpster. You may not dispose of liquids of any kind or medical waste like needles and syringes. YOU MAY NOT PUT ANYTHING IN THE CART THAT MAKES IT TOO HEAVY FOR THE DRIVER TO PICK UP!

What do I do with waste I cannot put in the cart?

Indiana Counties offer household hazardous waste programs for all residents. Visit their website or call them for more information. Lake County Solid Waste Management District (219)769-3820 OR Porter County Solid Waste Management District (219)465-3694

What if my scheduled pick-up falls on a major holiday?

Total Disposal is closed on New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. When a holiday occurs during the week all service following the holiday is moved back one day. So if the holiday is on a Monday and your normal service day is Friday, the driver will come on Saturday.

What happens when the weather is bad?

We try to maintain schedules no matter what. But we will not endanger our drivers. All weather-related service delays will be posted on our website and social media pages. If we miss your scheduled pick-up, we will try to pick-up on the following day. If bad weather continues for more than one day, know that we will do our best to pick-up your garbage as soon as possible.

What if the driver didn't pick up my garbage?

If you believe your driver missed your scheduled service day, and the week did not contain a holiday or weather-related emergency, call us immediately at 219.944.1800. Missed service must be reported within 24 hours. No credits are given for missed service.

When is my payment due? What if I'm late with a payment?

You will receive an invoice every quarter (for the following 3 months of service). Payment is due 5 days prior to the start of the quarter. The driver will not pick up your garbage or recycling until the bill has been paid. There are no credits given for missed service due to late payments. You may register for online access to your account and pay any charges due. You may also call the office and a customer service representative will be happy to assist you. 219.944.1800

What if I move?

We will be happy to move the containers to your new address if you are in our service area. If not, please contact us immediately to remove the cart and stop service if you no longer wish to be responsible for the charges. New owners must call the office to continue the service.

Commercial Service FAQs
What if my scheduled pick-up falls on a major holiday?

When your scheduled pick-up falls on New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day or Christmas, your dumpster may be serviced on the day prior to or the day after the holiday. Scheduled pick-up days for the remainder of the week may be delayed by one day. If you have not received service by the end of the day following your scheduled pick-up day, please call our office at 219.944.1800.

What happens when the weather is bad?

We try to maintain schedules no matter what. But we will not endanger our drivers. All weather-related service delays will be posted on our website and social media pages. If we miss your scheduled pick-up, we will try to pick-up on the following day. If bad weather continues for more than one day, know that we will do our best to pick-up your garbage as soon as possible. If you have not received service by the end of the day following your scheduled pick-up day, please call our office.

What if the driver didn't pick up my garbage?

If you believe your driver missed your scheduled service day, and the week did not contain a holiday or weather-related emergency, call us immediately at 219.944.1800. Missed service must be reported within 24 hours. No credits are given for missed service. The driver may attempt to return to service a container blocked by a vehicle but is not required to do so. It is your responsibility to ensure that the container is accessible by the driver.

When is my payment due? What if I'm late with a payment?

Your payment due date is clearly shown on your invoice. Please contact us if you expect your payment will be late. A finance charge computed at the periodic rate of 1.5% monthly (annual percentage rate 18%) may be assessed on past due balance of thirty days or more. Service will be interrupted if payment is not received within 30 days.

How do I get service restored?

Your service will be restored when the account is paid in full, including service charges and all late fees.

Will the driver pick up garbage outside of my commercial dumpster?

Anything not completely inside the dumpster is considered extra yardage and will incur an additional charge. If you do not wish to be charged for extra yardage, you may call the office and request that the driver leave anything outside the dumpster.

What can't I put in the dumpster?

You may not dispose of any radioactive, hazardous, volatile, explosive, corrosive, highly flammable, infectious, bio-hazardous, or toxic material as defined by applicable federal, state, or local laws or regulations. No tires or construction debris such as wood, pallets, drywall, plaster, roofing, siding, soil, concrete or brick may be placed in the dumpster. YOU MAY NOT PUT ANYTHING IN THE DUMPSTER THAT MAKES IT TOO HEAVY FOR THE TRUCK TO PICK UP! Please call our office to discuss alternative hauling solutions for waste that is not acceptable in your commercial container.

What if I sell my business?

It is the responsibility of the business owner who entered into the agreement for service with Total Disposal to inform us of any changes regarding the person responsible for payments on the account. You must contact us immediately to remove the container and stop service if you no longer wish to be responsible for the charges. New owners must sign an agreement if they wish to continue the service.

Roll-Off Dumpster FAQs
Do I have to be there to sign for the delivery of the dumpster?

It is always ideal for you to be on site for delivery, especially if you have detailed placement instructions. Placing an order using this website confirms that you agree to all of our terms & conditions. Therefore you do not have to be present at the time of delivery. If you place the order over the phone we will do our best to take detailed placement instructions for the driver. You will be required to accept our terms & conditions by signing electronically prior to delivery.

What can/can't I put in the dumpster?

We will ask about the project and the types of materials when you order the dumpster. In some cases we may limit the size of the dumpster for safety reasons and road weight limits. You may only dispose of the materials specified when the dumpster was ordered. If you need to modify the list, please call the office for approval. 219.944.1800 You may not dispose of hazardous waste, dirt, industrial waste, chemical products, oil filters, herbicides & pesticides, radioactive material, solvents, paint (except completely dried latex paint cans, no liquids), other flammable liquids, aerosol cans, propane tanks, motor oil, transmission oil/lubricating/hydraulic oil/oil filters, contaminated oils (mixed with solvents, gasoline, etc.), antifreeze, appliances, petroleum-contaminated soil/lead paint chips, tires, batteries, computers, monitors, televisions, microwaves, fluorescent tubes, railroad ties, medical waste, asbestos, animals, barrels, all liquids.

Where will the driver put the dumpster?

Please refer to our ROLL-OFF INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO to prepare for your dumpster delivery.

How much garbage may be placed in the dumpster?

There are two considerations for properly loading the dumpster, volume and weight. Volume: material must be level at the top of the container; nothing can be sticking out of the top. Weight: each size dumpster has a specific weight limit.

What if I go over the tonnage limit or the top of the dumpster?

You will be charged for any tonnage over and above the allowable weight limit. Your credit card will be charged automatically after the weight is confirmed by the transfer station operator. If material is above level full, the driver may refuse to pick-up the dumpster for safety reasons. You will incur a transportation charge as well as additional rental expenses if the container cannot be removed within the allotted time frame. It will be your responsibility to off-load the overage. Please contact the office to request an additional dumpster if necessary.

How do you know what my garbage weighs?

After the driver picks up the dumpster he brings it directly to a permitted transfer station. The dumpster is weighed, emptied and weighed again. The difference between the empty weight and the full weight is the total weight of the debris. The truck scales at the transfer station are calibrated regularly and certified by the department of Weights and Measures for Lake County, Indiana. You may request a copy of the scale ticket any time.

When will the dumpster be picked up? Do I have to be there?

The pick-up day is scheduled at the time of delivery. The driver may arrive to pick up the dumpster anytime during the day. You do not have to be present for pick-up.

Can I keep it a bit longer? Or have it picked up sooner?

If you need to keep the dumpster beyond your scheduled pick up day, please call the office as soon as possible so we can re-schedule the removal. If the driver has already been dispatched to remove the dumpster, there will be additional charges for truck time. Please call the office if you finish early and we will notify dispatch for an early removal. In most cases we can remove the dumpster within 24-48 hours.

Transfer Station FAQs
What types of material do you accept?

Household garbage, construction and demolition debris, roofing, concrete, dirt, stone/rock, yard waste, and most other non-hazardous general garbage/debris.

What types of materials do you NOT accept?

We DO NOT accept appliances, electronics, tires, drums, sludges, liquids, medical waste, refrigerators, flammable liquid, propane tanks, batteries, chemicals. The Transfer Operator reserves the right to reject any unacceptable or unsafe items/loads.

What do I need to dump at the Transfer Station?

You will need a valid photo lD, cash/credit card, and safety gear including a hard hat and a safety vest. Everyone in the vehicle MUST wear a hardhat and either a safety vest or high visibility shirt/jacket (bright neon yellow or orange, preferably with reflective material) AT ALL TIMES. The Transfer Operator reserves the right to eject anyone that is not compliant to our safety requirements.

lf I don't have a hardhat or vest, do you supply or rent them?

We do have safety gear available for purchase at the scale, but do not supply or rent them. Gloves are available for purchase as well, but are not required.

How do you determine the cost of my load?

Please visit our TRANSFER STATION VIDEO to see the process in action.

Do you accept payment over the phone?

We do not accept payment over the phone. lf you are paying via credit card, you must have the card with you when you arrive.

Where are you located?

We are located at 100 Blaine Street, off of Cline Avenue and 5th Avenue in Gary, lndiana.

Do you buy scrap materials?

No, we do not buy scrap metal or any other scrap materials.