Do you need a dumpster permit in Los Angeles?
On your own driveway or lot you usually don't. If the dumpster goes on the street, sidewalk or alley, here's what StreetsLA (Bureau of Street Services) says:
- A bin or dumpster left in the public street or sidewalk without a permit is listed by StreetsLA as a right-of-way obstruction it enforces against.
- StreetsLA takes permit applications online at bsspermits.lacity.org or in person at 1149 South Broadway, Suite 350 (213-847-6000).
- Unincorporated areas of LA County are different: the County only allows its approved vendors to place roll-off bins in the road right-of-way.
Sources: StreetsLA: investigation & enforcement FAQs · LA County Public Works: drop box (roll-off bin) road permit. Rules change: confirm with the city or your dumpster company before placing anything on the street.
Local tip
Driveway placement avoids the street permit entirely. If you are outside city limits (for example Pasadena or Long Beach), the rules are that city's, not LA's.
Where to take what a dumpster can't
Paint, solvents, batteries, pesticides and other household chemicals usually aren't allowed in rental dumpsters. In Los Angeles:
LA Sanitation's S.A.F.E. Centers (Solvents, Automotive, Flammables, Electronics) take household hazardous waste and e-waste from City and County residents free of charge; some centers have reduced days, so check before you go.
Source: LA Sanitation: S.A.F.E. Centers. Check hours and eligibility before you go.
Which size for your Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles
- 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.
Los Angeles dumpster questions
Do I need a permit for a dumpster in Los Angeles?
If it goes on your driveway or other private property, usually not. On the street, sidewalk or alley: A bin or dumpster left in the public street or sidewalk without a permit is listed by StreetsLA as a right-of-way obstruction it enforces against. Confirm with StreetsLA (Bureau of Street Services) or your dumpster company.
Who gets the dumpster permit in Los Angeles?
Often the dumpster company. Ask the company whether they apply for it and whether the fee is in the quote.
Where can I take paint, batteries and chemicals in Los Angeles?
LA Sanitation's S.A.F.E. Centers (Solvents, Automotive, Flammables, Electronics) take household hazardous waste and e-waste from City and County residents free of charge; some centers have reduced days, so check before you go.
How much does a dumpster cost in Los Angeles?
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 Los Angeles companies charge for your size and dates.