04/27/2026
A warning for new business owners: DO NOT do business with WASTE MANAGEMENT!
A warning for all small business owners: DO NOT do business with WASTE MANAGEMENT. (Updated)
The first year I entered into a contract with Waste Management for dumpster service, I was quoted a rental fee of $127/month. One year later, they increased it to $160/month (a 26% increase). I went through a lengthy process with them to renegotiate my bill down to $135/month.
One year later, they increased my amount to $178/month (a 32% increase this time). Once again, I called to complain and once again they said they can "renegotiate" a lower rate for me. Now, a logical person would argue, if you could provide the service at a lower rate, why don't you just do that to begin with? What business in their right mind thinks other business owners have time for this crap?
When I finally got through the never ending phone tree and asked to cancel my service, they doubled down on their stupid business practices and said I would have to send them a certified letter requesting cancellation. I shared my frustrations about their demand for the certified letter on Facebook and magically, the next day, I get a phone call saying I don't have to send in the certified letter. I thought...okay...someone over there is listening and wants to do the right thing.
(UPDATE) Today, I received an outrageous invoice for $351 for dumpster removal (the equivalent of 2 months rent at their inflated price). I feel like I'm being robbed. It is ridiculous.
Be warned, DO NOT enter into a contract with Waste Management!
I hope someone at that company can get management to understand they are losing customers with their billing process and that trying to hold customers hostage through your unnecessarily complicated cancellation process will only further lead to your company's demise. And in the end, screwing your former customers with that removal fee is just shameful.
