What should a written bin rental quote in Ottawa list?

A written quote is the document you compare companies with and check the final invoice against. Before you confirm anything, make sure it spells out each of the following.

What a bin rental quote should cover

Pricing model and base fee. The quote should name which model applies: either a bin fee plus a separate per-tonne disposal charge (published Ottawa bin company prices, October 2026: about $200 to $350 for delivery and pickup, plus about $150 to $160 per tonne), or an all-in price with a set tonnage included (about $460 to $540 plus tax for a 14 to 20 yard bin for about a week, with 1 to 2 tonnes included). These two models cannot be compared directly, so confirm which one you are being quoted.

The bin itself. Outside dimensions (length, width, height), the nominal yard size, and the rental period in days. Sizes vary by company, so get the actual measurements in writing rather than relying on the yard number alone.

What happens when the rental runs long or the load is heavy. Ask for the extra-day rate (published prices: about $15 to $35 per day), the per-tonne rate if you are on the bin-fee model, and what the company does if the bin goes over the included tonnage on an all-in quote.

Refused and surcharged items. Companies set their own lists. Ask for the company's full list in writing. Items two or more Ottawa companies refuse or surcharge include tires, batteries, hazardous materials, paint, propane or pressurised tanks, and medical waste; some companies charge per appliance or per mattress.

The street permit, if the bin will sit on City land. A bin on the road, boulevard, sidewalk or public laneway needs the City's Temporary Construction-related Encroachment (TCE) permit. The City accepts applications from residents, contractors or construction companies, so agree in writing with the bin company on who applies, who pays the permit fee, and whose name goes on it. The City requires a minimum of 10 business days to process the application, so this needs to be settled before you set a drop-off date.

Cancellation terms. Under the Ontario Consumer Protection Act, 2002, a future performance agreement over $50 must be in writing, and you may cancel within one year if you do not receive a copy that meets the Act's requirements. Ask for the cancellation terms in the quote itself, and ask how and when your card is charged.

Any surcharges. Some companies add a fuel or environmental surcharge, and some add a winter scrape fee for frozen loads. Ask whether either applies to your job.

Before you confirm the drop-off date, settle in writing exactly where the bin will sit, because the answer determines whether a TCE permit is needed and how much lead time you have.