5
Permit
Combustible Waste Storage Permit (commercial prope…
Public right-of-way (street/curb)
Permit required
Yes (mobility permit)
Cost
Combustible Waste Storage Permit (commercial properties only, dumpsters >50 cu ft OR any commercial dumpster on-premise >60 days): 1-yr/1 dumpster $201.40; 1-yr/2+ $302.12; 2-yr $369-$571; 3-yr $537-$839. ROW Permit (separate) for street placement, fees vary.
Max days
Variable; renewal required
Authority
Houston Public Works
Portal
GeoLink Hub
Processing
Up to 10 business days
Special rules
Two permit systems: (1) Combustible Waste Storage Permit via Houston Solid Waste Mgmt Dept (commercial only, $201-$839 by term); (2) ROW Permit via Houston Public Works (residential street placement). Compactors exempt from Combustible Waste permit. Fines $750-$2,000 for unpermitted/expired permits.
Private property (driveway/yard)
Permit required
Yes for commercial >50 cu ft or >60 days on-site
Cost
$192.98 (single annual) / $289.48 (multi annual) / $804.12 (3-year)
Max days
Permit-dependent; 60+ days requires Combustible Waste Storage permit
Special rules
Houston is the ONLY major US city requiring permits for dumpsters on private commercial property. Notarized affidavit required (originals only). Screening required near residential.
Prohibited items & penalties
State landfill bans
Texas bans: Used oil, lead-acid batteries (TX Health & Safety Code Ch 361), whole tires (must be processed), liquid waste. NO statewide e-waste ban (some local programs). Limited state bans.
Common prohibited
Hazardous waste, paints, fuels, oils, batteries, tires, electronics, refrigerants, asbestos, medical waste, biohazardous waste, propane tanks, pesticides. Industrial corridor (Baytown, Deer Park) needs EPA/DOT/TCEQ compliance.
Max fine
$750-$2,000 (unpermitted or expired Combustible Waste Storage Permit)
VERIFIED Apr 2026 against houstonpermittingcenter.org/swm1001. Code §39 Fire Code §105.6.29.
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