Service overview
You must get a license to permanently place a dumpster on private property or in the public right-of-way (on the street or sidewalk).
One license may cover all dumpsters on a property, but there is a separate fee for each dumpster.
The Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) issues these licenses.
Prohibited areas
Dumpsters are prohibited in the sidewalk or street at certain locations and under certain conditions:
- In the Center City area (between Bainbridge St., Spring Garden St., Delaware River, and the Schuylkill River) where a licensed public dumpster was not located prior to September 2016.
- In CA-2 (Auto-Oriented Commercial) Zoning Districts. You can find Zoning Districts using Atlas.
- Anywhere the Department of Streets determines will interfere with pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
Temporary placement
To temporarily place a construction dumpster in the public right-of-way, like on a street or along a sidewalk, you need a permit from the Department of Streets. Call the department’s Permit Unit at (215) 686-5500 to get a Temporary Construction Dumpster Permit.
Who
Business owners and their agents can apply for this license.
Requirements
Other licenses and registrations
Application
For a dumpster on private property, include:
- A site plan showing the location and any required enclosures. (All dumpsters placed outdoors must be enclosed by an opaque fence, shrubbery fence, or enclosed shed that complies with Zoning and Building Codes.)
For a dumpster in the public right-of-way, include:
- A description of alternative trash storage plans and explanation of the need for a public dumpster.
- A site plan showing size, location, and sidewalk and street widths.
Other permits
- Separate building and zoning permits may be required for dumpster enclosures exceeding 4 ft. in height.
- Enclosures are subject to the same permit requirements as other fences.
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.
- The approved location of the dumpster.
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.
Waste and recycling plan
All businesses must have a Waste and Recycling Plan in place. You must register the plan with the Department of Streets, post it at your business, and distribute it to all employees or tenants. You can submit plans to the Department of Streets using an online form. Learn more about Waste and Recycling Plan requirements.
Required pre-approvals
Where and when
Online
You can apply to L&I 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
Private (lifetime license)
- Trash dumpster less than 1 cubic yard: $80
- Trash dumpster 1 cubic yard and above: $150
- Recycling dumpster less than 1 cubic yard: $40
- Recycling dumpster 1 cubic yard and above: $75
Public (annual license)
- Trash dumpster less than 1 cubic yard: $200
- Trash dumpster 1 cubic yard and above: $500
- Recycling dumpster less than 1 cubic yard: $100
- Recycling dumpster 1 cubic yard and above: $250
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
Payment methods and details
Accepted payment methods
| Where | Accepted payment |
|---|---|
| Online through the eCLIPSE application
(There is a $500,000 limit for online payments.) |
|
| In person at the Permit and License Center in the Municipal Services Building |
|
| In person at the Cashier’s Station in the Municipal Services Building
(Items paid at the Cashier’s Station will be mailed within five business days.) |
|
Credit and debit card payments
Surcharges and fees are applied automatically to all credit and debit card transactions.
Checks and money orders
Check requirements
- Make all checks and money orders payable to the “City of Philadelphia.”
- The individual or company listed on the check must be listed on the application.
- Personal checks are accepted.
- Checks and money orders must have issue dates within 12 months of the transaction.
Reasons your check may be rejected
L&I will not accept checks that are missing depository information or are:
- Unsigned.
- Expired.
- Post-dated.
- Starter checks without account info.
Returned payment policy
If your check is returned unpaid for insufficient or uncollected funds:
- You will be charged a $20 fee for collection.
- You authorize the City of Philadelphia or its agent to make a one-time electronic fund transfer from your account to collect this fee directly.
- The City of Philadelphia or its agent may re-present your check electronically to your depository institution for payment.
- If the City is unable to obtain payment, the license, permit, or appeal application will be void.
- You cannot take any additional action under a permit until you have paid all fees.
- The permit or license will be revoked if the outstanding fees are not paid within 30 days.
- You cannot file or obtain additional permits until you resolve the outstanding debt.
Late license payment
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.
How
You can apply for this license online using eCLIPSE or in person at the Permit and License Center.
Online
For dumpsters in the right-of-way, the application will be forwarded to the Department of Streets for approval.
Applications are reviewed within five business days.
If the application isn’t approved, you will receive an email stating what is missing or required.
In person
Bring all required documents.
For dumpsters in the right-of-way, the application will be forwarded to the Department of Streets for approval.
Renewal requirements
Public dumpster licenses need to be renewed annually. Private dumpster licenses do not.
- Renew online through eCLIPSE or in person at the Permit and License Center
Required for renewal:
- Must be current on all City of Philadelphia taxes
- Valid email address