Is a Permit Necessary To Rent a Dumpster?

If you are deep-cleaning your home, a loved one’s home, or diving into a home renovation, you may have considered a dumpster to help in your pursuit. If this is the case, you may have asked yourself, “Is a permit necessary to rent a dumpster?” Learn how to use a dumpster legally.

When You Need a Permit

If you decide to place a dumpster on your driveway or anywhere on your personal property, it’s likely you do not need a permit. On the other hand, if you intend to place a dumpster on the city street, alley, or sidewalk, you’ll need a permit from the city. A benefit to most dumpster rental companies is that they already have these permits. Ask the rental company if they indeed have a permit. If so, when you rent from them, you need not fret. They should have legalities taken care of, so you don’t have to pursue a permit yourself.

Receiving a Permit

If the company you are renting through does not have a permit and you need to place the dumpster on city property, you’ll have to pursue one yourself. Thankfully, this should not be a difficult process. Simply contact your local Public Works, Engineering, or Building Department. You should be able to find this information on the city’s website if it’s up to date. Keep in mind that it may not be called a city permit. Instead, it’ll be referred to as a right-of-way permit or road occupancy permit. This keyword may help you in your search on their website.

Dumpster Permit Cost

Now that you know if a permit is necessary to rent a dumpster, let’s talk costs. The cost of a permit can vary between dumpster sizes and the rental company. For example, a 10-yard roll-off dumpster may be more affordable than a larger 40-yard roll-off dumpster. In general, you can expect a permit to cost between $10 and $25 per week. This number amount is different between each city, so double-check with your county’s office that’s in charge of granting permits. They should offer a choice between daily, weekly, monthly, or annual permit fees.