18 AUG

Can a Dumpster Be Placed On the Street?

Depending on the regulations in your municipality, you may need to obtain a dumpster permit when you rent a dumpster or before placing an out-of-state dumpster on your property. Here M&M Waste describes what a dumpster permit is. Under what circumstances do you need a permit? We'll also cover common rules when placing a dumpster rental on the street and provide some next steps to take after your permit expires.

What Is a Dumpster Permit?

A dumpster permit is a document issued by the city that allows you to place a dumpster on public property. The purpose of this document is to protect the safety and welfare of the community, and it can be issued for any purpose you need it for. You can use it for work purposes or just for personal use. When you want to place a dumpster on the street, you must get permission from your local government first.

When Do You Need a Dumpster Permit?

If you plan to place a large dumpster on public property, you will need a dumpster permit. Most cities require businesses or individuals who place large items on public property to obtain permission from them beforehand. The same applies when placing a commercial dumpster in front of your home or business. You must have permission from your city before doing so. Some cities require this permit because they want to make sure everyone follows the rules when placing an item on the street or sidewalk. Proper placement of your dumpster will help ensure that it does not block traffic or restrict access to utilities like gas lines or water mains.

What Should You Do When the Dumpster Permit Expires?

You may notice that dumpsters sometimes have stickers or signs indicating when they must be removed. This is because many cities require permits for placing commercial dumpsters on public property, and these permits often have time limits. When you're working with a contractor placing a dumpster on public property, make sure that you understand when the permit expires so that you don't get caught off guard if you need to remove it early or if the city requires it to be removed after its expiration date. Some cities allow for a temporary renewal of the permit for a period of time.

Common Rules When Placing a Dumpster On the Street

Some common rules include:

A maximum size limit of 16 feet long by 8 feet wide
A maximum weight limit of 2 tons (2000 pounds)
A requirement that the dumpster be placed in front of your home or business property line
It must be placed at least 5 feet from any curb or public right of ways, such as a sidewalk or parking lot.
The dumpster can't be placed before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m. unless it is part of an emergency cleanup effort. For example, if your home was flooded or a major storm caused damage to your property, you could request an exception to this rule from your local sanitation department or public works agency.
You can't store items in the dumpster for more than 30 days (except in certain situations).