Do you need a dumpster permit in San Diego?
On your own driveway or lot you usually don't. If the dumpster goes on the street, sidewalk or alley, here's what Development Services Department (Traffic Control Permit) says:
- A dumpster or storage container in the public right-of-way needs a Traffic Control Permit. The city notes its right-of-way generally runs about 10 feet from the face of the curb toward the property line.
- Containers can't go in front of red, white or blue painted curbs, and you need at least three working days' notice before placement.
- Tow-away/No Parking signs must be posted 72 hours before the container arrives. The city has listed a dumpster traffic-control fee of $176.57 for up to four weeks; confirm the current fee.
Sources: City of San Diego: how to get a traffic control permit for a dumpster (PDF) · City of San Diego: Traffic Control Permit. Rules change: confirm with the city or your dumpster company before placing anything on the street.
Local tip
Because the right-of-way can include part of what looks like your front yard, measure before assuming the driveway apron is private.
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 Diego:
The city's Household Hazardous Waste Transfer Facility at the Miramar Landfill entrance takes household hazardous waste from city residents free, by appointment (858-694-7000), up to 15 gallons or 125 pounds per trip.
Source: City of San Diego: Miramar HHW Transfer Facility. Check hours and eligibility before you go.
Which size for your San Diego 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 Diego
- 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 Diego dumpster questions
Do I need a permit for a dumpster in San Diego?
If it goes on your driveway or other private property, usually not. On the street, sidewalk or alley: A dumpster or storage container in the public right-of-way needs a Traffic Control Permit. The city notes its right-of-way generally runs about 10 feet from the face of the curb toward the property line. Confirm with Development Services Department (Traffic Control Permit) or your dumpster company.
Who gets the dumpster permit in San Diego?
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 Diego?
The city's Household Hazardous Waste Transfer Facility at the Miramar Landfill entrance takes household hazardous waste from city residents free, by appointment (858-694-7000), up to 15 gallons or 125 pounds per trip.
How much does a dumpster cost in San Diego?
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 Diego companies charge for your size and dates.