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Permits, violations & licenses

Get a Construction Dumpster License

Service overview

You need a Construction Dumpster License to lease or maintain dumpsters for construction. For example, a construction company or dumpster rental company might get this license. One license issued to the company may cover all dumpsters in their fleet but there is a separate fee for each dumpster.

The Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) issues this license.

To temporarily place a construction dumpster in the public right-of-way (on a street or sidewalk), you need a permit from the Department of Streets. Call the department’s Permit Unit at (215) 686-5500 to get a Right-of-Way Permit.

Who

Business owners who lease or maintain the dumpster and their agents can apply for this license.

Requirements

Other licenses and registrations

RFID medallions

Each dumpster needs to have a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) medallion attached to it. L&I will give you the medallion when you get your license.

The medallions transmit:

  • The license number.
  • The name and telephone number of the licensee.

You must immediately report any changes to this information to the License Issuance Unit by calling 311 or (215) 686-8686. Failure to report changes may result in fines or other penalties.

You can replace lost or damaged medallions at the Permit and License Center. You must bring the damaged medallion with you.

Where and when

Online

You can apply online using eCLIPSE.

If you need help filing your application online, you can schedule a virtual appointment.

In person

You need an appointment to visit the Permit and License Center in person.

Permit and License Center
1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
MSB, Public Service Concourse
Philadelphia, PA 19102

Office hours: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday

Offices close at noon on the last Wednesday of each month.

Cost

License fee

For every 3 dumpsters or fraction thereof: $75

Renewal fee

For every 3 dumpsters or fraction thereof: $75

If you renew your license more than 60 days after the due date, you will be charged 1.5% of the license fee for each month since the license expired.

Damaged medallion fee

$25

Lost or stolen medallion fee

$75

How

You can apply for this license online using eCLIPSE or in person at the Permit and License Center.

Online

1
Upload all required documents.

Applications are reviewed within five business days.

2
If the application is approved, you will receive a notice to pay the balance.

If the application isn’t approved, you will receive an email stating what is missing or required.

3
Once approved, L&I will issue your license and RFID medallion.

In person

1
Visit the Permit and License Center.

L&I can review most applications while you wait.

2
L&I will either issue your license or request more information.
3
Once approved, L&I will issue your RFID medallion.

Renewal requirements

This license must be renewed annually. You can renew online through eCLIPSE or in person at the Permit and License Center.

To renew your license, you must be current on all City taxes.

Forms & instructions


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