Recycling

What to Ask Your Waste Hauler Before Signing a Contract

July 8, 2026
What to Ask Your Waste Hauler Before Signing a Contract

Selecting the right waste hauler

Asking the right questions before signing or renewing a contract can help ensure the services provided match your operational needs and support compliance with the Massachusetts Waste Disposal Bans.

Your business, waste hauler (including subcontractors and/or brokers), and disposal sites are all responsible for properly handling waste according to local, state, and federal regulations. It is important to be aware of the waste bans and regulations, and properly separate materials to comply with them.

Waste Hauler Interview Questions

Materials Accepted

Understanding what materials your business generates and aligning with a hauler that can accept them is the foundation of a successful diversion program.

Workers sorting recyclable materials on a conveyor belt at a recycling processing facility.

Ask:

  • What specific materials do you accept? Certain materials are subject to waste disposal bans, so it is important to confirm which materials your hauler accepts and how they should be properly separated
  • Which end sites do you use for your collected materials? The sorting specifications for your business depend on the specifications from the end site.
  • Can you provide documentation (weight/tip slips, photos, etc.) if needed, so we can ensure our compliance with the Massachusetts Waste Bans?

Containers & Equipment

Collection equipment should fit your facility, operations, and available space.

Examples of recycling containers including carts, bins, and dumpsters for commercial waste collection.

Ask:

  • What size bins or other containers do you offer for collection?
  • Are the containers clearly labeled?
  • Who maintains the supplies and equipment?
  • Do you provide washing services?
  • Do you offer locking containers?

Collection Services

Collection schedules should support your business operations while maintaining a clean and efficient waste area.

Waste hauler loading cardboard and recyclable materials into a collection truck.

Ask:

  • What is the proposed collection schedule?
  • Are you able to accommodate extra pickups or changes in schedule if needed?

Program Support

Some haulers offer additional services that can help improve your recycling and food scraps collection program.

Waste reduction professional providing recycling and food waste diversion training to businesses.

Ask:

  • Do you offer any educational assistance or guidance on optimizing waste sorting?
  • Do you provide interior signs or posters?
  • Can you coordinate tours of the end site facilities?

Pricing & Billing

Before signing a contract, make sure you understand how services are priced and billed.

Person reviewing and signing a service agreement or waste hauling contract.

Ask:

  • What is your pricing structure?
  • Is there an auto renewal clause?
  • Is it based on volume, frequency of pickups, or other factors?
  • How do you handle billing and invoicing?
  • Are there any additional fees we should be aware of?

Communication & Customer Support

Clear communication helps ensure issues are addressed quickly throughout the contract.

Handshake between a business representative and a waste hauler at a recycling facility.

Ask:

  • How will you let us know if there are problems with our loads like contamination?
  • How do you provide tonnage reporting?
  • How or who do we communicate with if there are questions or concerns?
  • Will we have a dedicated account manager?

Keep it in Rotation

Looking for more detailed guidance?

RecyclingWorks MA has developed a comprehensive Hauler Contracting Guidance, which covers contract planning, service levels, reporting, contamination, waste bans, communication strategies, and best practices for working with waste haulers.

Read the full Hauler Contracting Guidance Get Assistance