Private dumpsters

Private Dumpster Licenses do not need to be renewed.

Public dumpsters

Public Dumpster Licenses must be renewed annually. There is a late fee for renewals filed more than 60 days after the license has expired.

To renew a Public Dumpster License, you must:

• Have a valid email address.
• Be current on all City of Philadelphia taxes and fines. If you aren’t sure if your City tax account is in good standing, get a tax clearance before you renew your license.

You can renew this license:

• Online using eCLIPSE; or
• In-person at the Permit and License Center.

You must get a Private Dumpster License to permanently place a dumpster on private property.

Forms, licenses, and registrations

You need to have a Commercial Activity License and pay the Business Income & Receipts Tax (BIRT). For both, you’ll also need a business tax account.

Dumpster enclosures

All dumpsters placed outdoors must be enclosed by an opaque fence, shrubbery fence, or enclosed shed that complies with Zoning and Building Codes.

• Your license application must include a site plan showing the location and any required dumpster enclosures.
• Dumpster enclosures taller than four feet may require separate building and zoning permits.
• Enclosures have the same permit requirements as fences.

Waste and recycling plan

All businesses must have a Waste and Recycling Plan in place. You must register the plan with the Department of Sanitation, post it at your business, and distribute it to all employees or tenants. To submit your plan, file a Commercial Waste Report.

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) medallions

Each dumpster needs to have a 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.

Tax and code compliance

To receive this license, you must:

• Be current on all City of Philadelphia taxes and fines. If you aren’t sure if your City tax account is in good standing, get a tax clearance before you apply.
• Not have any outstanding L&I violations at your property.

Ownership information

Your license will be issued to the legal entity listed on the Commercial Activity License and your Philadelphia Tax Account. Any trade name or “Doing Business As” (DBA) must also be listed on your Commercial Activity License.

You must get a Public Dumpster License to permanently place a dumpster in the public right-of-way (ROW), including on the street or sidewalk.

Pre-approvals

Before you can apply for a Public Dumpster License, you need to get pre-approval from the Department of Streets. You can apply for pre-approval using eCLIPSE and should submit the following documents with your Streets Department Review application:

• Streets ROW Public Dumpster Form.
• A site plan showing size, location, and sidewalk and street widths.

Once you have pre-approval from the Department of Streets, you can apply for a Public Dumpster License with the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I).

Forms, licenses, and registrations

You need to have a Commercial Activity License and pay the Business Income & Receipts Tax (BIRT). For both, you’ll also need a business tax account.

Prohibited areas

Dumpsters are not allowed in the sidewalk or street at certain locations and under certain conditions:

• In the Center City area (from Bainbridge St. to Spring Garden St., and the Delaware River to the Schuylkill River), except for licensed public dumpsters that were located there 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.

Waste and recycling plan

All businesses must have a Waste and Recycling Plan in place. You must register the plan with the Department of Sanitation, post it at your business, and distribute it to all employees or tenants. To submit your plan, file a Commercial Waste Report.

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) medallions

Each dumpster needs to have a 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.

Tax and code compliance

To receive this license, you must:

• Be current on all City of Philadelphia taxes and fines. If you aren’t sure if your City tax account is in good standing, get a tax clearance before you apply.
• Not have any outstanding L&I violations at your property.

Ownership information

Your license will be issued to the legal entity listed on the Commercial Activity License and your Philadelphia Tax Account. Any trade name or “Doing Business As” (DBA) must also be listed on your Commercial Activity License.