Do you need a dumpster permit in Denver?
On your own driveway or lot you usually don't. If the dumpster goes on the street, sidewalk or alley, here's what Department of Transportation & Infrastructure (DOTI) says:
- Only the container company can get the permit for a dumpster in the right-of-way, using its Denver ROW dumpster license.
- Containers must fit in a parking lane at least 20 feet from corners, ramps, alleys and entrances, and can't block sidewalks, tree lawns, hydrants or alleys.
- A dumpster can stay in the right-of-way for at most 180 days in a 12-month period; arterial streets and meters need a separate permit.
Sources: Denver: roll-offs and dumpsters for construction · Denver DOTI: annual dumpster and container permit (PDF). Rules change: confirm with the city or your dumpster company before placing anything on the street.
Where to take what a dumpster can't
Paint, solvents, batteries, pesticides and other household chemicals usually aren't allowed in rental dumpsters. In Denver:
Denver Recycles runs a household hazardous waste program by appointment (pickup or drop-off); call 311 or see the city's Denver Recycles page for the current co-pay and rules.
Source: Colorado CDPHE: household hazardous waste collection programs. Check hours and eligibility before you go.
Which size for your Denver project?
- Length × width × height
- 22 × 8 × 4–4.5 ft
- Holds about
- 6–10 pickup loads
- Typical price
- $275–$450 a week
Drawn to scale next to a 5 ft 10 in person. Sizes vary by company. Prices are typical weekly ranges from Fixr: dumpster rental cost (updated January 2025). More about the 20-yard →
Typical prices
Companies set their own prices, and they vary by area. As a national benchmark, Fixr lists these weekly ranges for residential roll-offs (Fixr: dumpster rental cost (updated January 2025)):
| Size | Typical dimensions | Holds about | Typical weekly price | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10-yard | 12–16 × 7.5–8 × 3.5–4 ft | 3–5 pickup loads | $250–$400 | A one-room cleanout or garage clear-out |
| 15-yard | 16 × 7.5 × 4.5 ft | 5–7 pickup loads | about $570–$610 average | A large garage or basement cleanout |
| 20-yard | 22 × 8 × 4–4.5 ft | 6–10 pickup loads | $275–$450 | Flooring or carpet removal for a whole floor |
| 30-yard | 22 × 8 × 6 ft | 9–14 pickup loads | $300–$750 | A major renovation or addition |
| 40-yard | 22 × 8 × 8 ft | 12–16 pickup loads | $350–$900 | Demolition of a garage or outbuilding |
Weekly price ranges from Fixr: dumpster rental cost (updated January 2025). 15-yard: average rental price reported by Dumpsters.com: 15 yard dumpster and Budget Dumpster: 15 yard dumpster.
Before you book in Denver
- Decide where it goes: driveway (usually no permit) or street (permit rules above).
- Ask whether the company pulls the permit and whether the fee is in the quote.
- Compare the same size, days and weight allowance across quotes. See reading a quote.
- Set aside paint, batteries and chemicals for the drop-off above.
Denver dumpster questions
Do I need a permit for a dumpster in Denver?
If it goes on your driveway or other private property, usually not. On the street, sidewalk or alley: Only the container company can get the permit for a dumpster in the right-of-way, using its Denver ROW dumpster license. Confirm with Department of Transportation & Infrastructure (DOTI) or your dumpster company.
Who gets the dumpster permit in Denver?
Often the dumpster company. Only the container company can get the permit for a dumpster in the right-of-way, using its Denver ROW dumpster license.
Where can I take paint, batteries and chemicals in Denver?
Denver Recycles runs a household hazardous waste program by appointment (pickup or drop-off); call 311 or see the city's Denver Recycles page for the current co-pay and rules.
How much does a dumpster cost in Denver?
Prices vary by company and area. Nationally, Fixr lists about $380 for a week on average, with most rentals between $200 and $550 (Fixr: dumpster rental cost (updated January 2025)). Request quotes to see what Denver companies charge for your size and dates.