Do you need a dumpster permit in San Antonio?
On your own driveway or lot you usually don't. If the dumpster goes on the street, sidewalk or alley, here's what Public Works Department (Right-of-Way) says:
- Using the public right-of-way needs a Public Works ROW permit. The city lists a $60 application fee for project permits plus a daily fee, and lane or sidewalk closures are priced by area and days.
- A dumpster on your own driveway or lot generally doesn't need a city ROW permit; one in the street or on the sidewalk does.
Sources: City of San Antonio: ROW permit types and fees. 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 San Antonio:
Solid Waste Management runs a permanent drop-off center at 7030 Culebra Road and monthly events at the Bitters Drop-Off Center (1800 Wurzbach Pkwy), free for city solid waste customers with photo ID and a recent CPS Energy bill.
Source: City of San Antonio: household hazardous waste. Check hours and eligibility before you go.
Which size for your San Antonio 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 San Antonio
- 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.
San Antonio dumpster questions
Do I need a permit for a dumpster in San Antonio?
If it goes on your driveway or other private property, usually not. On the street, sidewalk or alley: Using the public right-of-way needs a Public Works ROW permit. The city lists a $60 application fee for project permits plus a daily fee, and lane or sidewalk closures are priced by area and days. Confirm with Public Works Department (Right-of-Way) or your dumpster company.
Who gets the dumpster permit in San Antonio?
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 San Antonio?
Solid Waste Management runs a permanent drop-off center at 7030 Culebra Road and monthly events at the Bitters Drop-Off Center (1800 Wurzbach Pkwy), free for city solid waste customers with photo ID and a recent CPS Energy bill.
How much does a dumpster cost in San Antonio?
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 San Antonio companies charge for your size and dates.