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 can 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.
Temporary construction dumpsters
To temporarily place a construction dumpster in the public right-of-way, like on a street or sidewalk, you need a Temporary Construction Dumpster Permit from the Department of Streets. To get a permit, call the Permit Unit at (215) 686-5500.
Who
Business owners and their agents can apply for this license.
Requirements
Cost
Private Dumpster License (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 Dumpster License (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.
Medallion replacement fees
- Damaged medallion: $25
- Lost or stolen medallion: $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 to apply
You can apply for this license online using eCLIPSE or in person at the Permit and License Center.
Before you begin
If you’re applying for a license for a public dumpster in the right-of-way (ROW), you need to get pre-approval from the Department of Streets. Jump to see license application requirements for public dumpsters.
Online
You can apply to L&I online using eCLIPSE.
If you need help filing your application online, you can schedule a virtual appointment.
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
You need an appointment to visit the Permit and License Center in person.
Office hours are 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Offices close at noon on the last Wednesday of each month.
The Permit and License Center is located at:
1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
MSB, Public Service Concourse
Philadelphia, PA 19102