Billing Methods

The customer and carter can negotiate on the billing method to be used. There are two billing methods:

• actual fee method, or
  
• flat or average fee method.

Actual Fee Billing Method

Under an actual fee billing method, the customer will be billed for the actual amount of waste, either by cubic yard or by weight, that the customer puts out for collection by the carter. Each bill will vary depending on the amount of waste collected during the billing period. The actual amount of waste collected for the billing period will be multiplied by the negotiated rate.

Flat or Average Fee Billing Method

Under a flat or average fee billing method, the carter averages out the amount of waste, either by cubic yard or by weight, that the customer puts out for collection over a period of time, and multiplies the average amount of waste by the negotiated rate. Each bill is the same every month or week based on the average amount of waste generated. Customers who choose a flat or average fee billing method are entitled to a waste stream survey provided by the carter at no charge to the customer. A waste stream survey determines the average amount of waste that is generated by the customer for which the carter collects and bills the customer.

Again, a carter can only charge for waste removal services at or below the maximum rates established by BIC. Unless authorized by BIC, a carter cannot charge for the rental of a container or dumpster, the BIC decal identifying the carter to be placed on the storefront, fuel cost, waste stream surveys, or any costs not based on the amount of waste collected.

Written Invoices, Statements, and Bills

At least once a month, the carter must provide a written statement, invoice, or bill to the customer. The written statement, invoice, or bill must itemize the list of charges, as well as disclose the maximum rates in effect and the negotiated rate. If the customer is charged on a flat or average billing method, the invoice or statement must so indicate. The required information that must appear on a written statement, invoice or bill are set forth in BIC's rules.

If the customer pays in cash, a receipt signed by the carter's collector must be given to the customer at the time the payment is collected.