Do you need a dumpster permit in Philadelphia?
On your own driveway or lot you usually don't. If the dumpster goes on the street, sidewalk or alley, here's what Streets Department (Right-of-Way Unit) and L&I says:
- A dumpster on the street or sidewalk needs two approvals: the Streets Department approves the location first, then L&I issues a dumpster license.
- Streets right-of-way applications and site plans go through eCLIPSE; the city says it reviews them within five business days.
- Some areas are mapped as restricted dumpster zones, and public dumpster licenses are renewed every year.
Sources: City of Philadelphia: get a dumpster license (private or right-of-way). Rules change: confirm with the city or your dumpster company before placing anything on the street.
Local tip
Rowhouse blocks rarely have driveways, so most Philadelphia rentals end up in the street: start the permit early.
Where to take what a dumpster can't
Paint, solvents, batteries, pesticides and other household chemicals usually aren't allowed in rental dumpsters. In Philadelphia:
The Streets Department holds household hazardous waste drop-off events through the year (the region has no permanent drop-off site). Business waste isn't accepted.
Source: City of Philadelphia: household hazardous waste events. Check hours and eligibility before you go.
Which size for your Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia
- 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.
Philadelphia dumpster questions
Do I need a permit for a dumpster in Philadelphia?
If it goes on your driveway or other private property, usually not. On the street, sidewalk or alley: A dumpster on the street or sidewalk needs two approvals: the Streets Department approves the location first, then L&I issues a dumpster license. Confirm with Streets Department (Right-of-Way Unit) and L&I or your dumpster company.
Who gets the dumpster permit in Philadelphia?
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 Philadelphia?
The Streets Department holds household hazardous waste drop-off events through the year (the region has no permanent drop-off site). Business waste isn't accepted.
How much does a dumpster cost in Philadelphia?
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 Philadelphia companies charge for your size and dates.