Do you need a dumpster permit in Seattle?
On your own driveway or lot you usually don't. If the dumpster goes on the street, sidewalk or alley, here's what Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) Street Use says:
- A residential dumpster or storage container in the right-of-way needs a Street Use permit before delivery; construction dumpsters need a different permit type.
- You submit an application and a Right-of-Way Impact Site Plan, even for small placements.
- SDOT guidance sets placement at least 10 feet from driveways and hydrants and 30 feet from intersections.
Sources: SDOT: storage container and residential dumpster permits. 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 Seattle:
Seattle's household hazardous waste facilities (North: 12550 Stone Ave N; South: next to the South Transfer Station) are free for King County residents with no appointment. The transfer stations themselves don't take hazardous waste.
Source: Seattle Public Utilities: where to dispose of household hazardous waste. Check hours and eligibility before you go.
Which size for your Seattle 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 Seattle
- 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.
Seattle dumpster questions
Do I need a permit for a dumpster in Seattle?
If it goes on your driveway or other private property, usually not. On the street, sidewalk or alley: A residential dumpster or storage container in the right-of-way needs a Street Use permit before delivery; construction dumpsters need a different permit type. Confirm with Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) Street Use or your dumpster company.
Who gets the dumpster permit in Seattle?
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 Seattle?
Seattle's household hazardous waste facilities (North: 12550 Stone Ave N; South: next to the South Transfer Station) are free for King County residents with no appointment. The transfer stations themselves don't take hazardous waste.
How much does a dumpster cost in Seattle?
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 Seattle companies charge for your size and dates.