Philadelphia requires every dumpster user to obtain a license!

WHO IS REQUIRED TO OBTAIN A DUMPSTER LICENSE?
Chapter 1-722 of the Philadelphia Code indicates that the user (not the hauler) is required to obtain a license for a dumpster in excess of one cubic yard. (See exclusions below.)

TYPES OF DUMPSTER LICENSES

Private Property
A dumpster license is issued when a dumpster is placed on private property. Private property also includes parking lots, private alleys and driveways. A one-time fee of $50.00 is required.  NOTE: Newly constructed buildings and also buildings that have modified their usage are required to provide trash storage inside the building.

Public Right-of-Way
An annual license is issued for a dumpster in the public right-of-way (i.e. street or sidewalk). A fee of $300.00 is required.
NOTE: You are required to complete a questionnaire that shows your need for placement in the public right-of-way.

EXCLUSIONS

Dumpsters One-Cubic Yard or Less
Dumpsters one-cubic yard or less are considered trash cans. Since trash cans are not permitted for public right-of-way storage, they are required to be stored in or on private property. Commercial set-out regulations apply to trash cans.

Temporary Construction Dumpsters
Temporary Construction Dumpsters that are placed in the public right-of-way require a special permit. For additional information, contact the Streets Department's Permit Unit at 215-686-5500.

HOW DO I OBTAIN A DUMPSTER LICENSE?
Applications can be obtained from your hauler, by calling Licenses and Inspections 215-686-2491 or by mail as follows:

WHAT IS CONSIDERED WHEN REVIEWING A LICENSE APPLICATION?
For dumpster placement in the public right-of-way, the width of the sidewalk, volume of pedestrian and vehicular traffic, and availability of alternative trash handling methods are considered. In instances where a dumpster may impede pedestrian passage or offend nearby residents, users may be required to handle their trash in an alternate manner that does not require a dumpster. Dumpsters will not be approved on the public right-of-way in predominately residential blocks or retail/commercial strips.

IF MY APPLICATION FOR A LICENSE IS REJECTED, HOW DO I APPEAL?
Anyone rejected for a dumpster license may appeal the decision to the Licenses and Inspections Review Board, Municipal Services Building, Concourse Level. 215-686-2427

DUMPSTER USERS HAVE OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES!

DUMPSTER IDENTIFICATION
Every dumpster should have the hauler's name or company logo, telephone number, and a unique identification number. The user is required to be identified on the dumpster.

EMPTYING
All dumpsters are required to be emptied at least once a week. If they contain "non-grindable" foods waste, they should be emptied every three days. (Additional collection/s may be required by the City.)

CLEANING
Dumpsters should be kept clean, in good repair, and free of offensive odors. They should be cleaned a minimum of two times a year. (Additional cleaning may be required by the City.) Cleaning dumpsters on the street or sidewalk is not permitted.

GRINDABLE FOOD WASTE
Dumpsters may not be used for the disposal of grindable garbage. All food-handling establishments are required to install garbage disposals for disposal of grindable garbage.

LITTER-FREE
The area surrounding each dumpster should be maintained free of litter, lids should be kept tightly secured when not in use, and dumpsters should not be overflowing with debris.

SCREENING
Dumpsters located on private property should be screened from public view by shrubbery, an opaque fence, a shed or other such device.

DUMPSTER LAW ENFORCEMENT
Dumpster users who do not comply with the Dumpster Code Provisions may be fined and may have their Business Privilege License revoked. Dumpsters placed on the public right-of-way without a license will be presumed to be abandoned, and subject to removal.

HOW DO I APPEAL THE PLACEMENT OF A DUMPSTER NEAR MY HOME?
Call 215-686-2418 to investigate if the dumpster is licensed. If it is, you may file an appeal to the Licenses & Inspections Review Board. If it is not licensed, see the next question.

HOW DO I COMPLAIN ABOUT A DUMPSTER THAT VIOLATES THE LAW?
The Streets Department's Streets & Walkways Education & Enforcement Program (SWEEP) is the primary enforcer of the dumpster law. You may call them at 215-685-4275. Additinally, the Neighborhood Services Unit (215-685-3097) or your Police District's Sanitation Officer can enforce the law. The Department of Health (215-685-7495) will enforce the regulations on violations of food disposal.

REMEMBER -- IT'S THE LAW
As the use of dumpsters increased, citizens and businesses expressed concern to the city about the public hazard and litter created by dumpsters. In response to this situation, City Council passed an ordinance in June 1989 requiring the licensing of dumpsters and regulating their use.

Now, every dumpster user in the city requires approval to use and place a dumpster. Dumpster haulers need to meet a number of performance standards.

This web page was created in an attempt to answer your questions about the use of dumpsters. If you still have questions, regarding the dumpster code, please call the SWEEP Unit at 215-685-4275. If you require a license application, call the Department of Licenses and Inspections at 215-686-2418.