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Permit
Construction Dumpster License: $75/year per dumpst…
Public right-of-way (street/curb)
Permit required
Yes
Cost
Construction Dumpster License: $75/year per dumpster (Phila Code §11-610). Private property: $80 one-time (<1 cu yd) or $150 one-time (≥1 cu yd) per Phila Code §10-722. Industry hauler markup brings consumer cost to $200-$500/year.
Max days
Annual permit
Authority
Department of Licenses & Inspections (L&I) + Streets Department
Portal
eclipse.phila.gov
Processing
5 days online / same-day in person
Special rules
Mandatory RFID medallion (UHF) per §10-722(c) — transmits license #, name, phone, location. Annual renewal required for ROW. Fleet license $75. New dumpster permits PROHIBITED in Center City (Bainbridge to Spring Garden) since Sept 2016 except prior locations.
Private property (driveway/yard)
Permit required
Yes (one-time license)
Cost
$80-$150 (lifetime, never expires)
Max days
Permit-dependent; cleaning every 6 months minimum
Special rules
Enclosures required for private property. RFID medallion required.
Prohibited items & penalties
State landfill bans
Pennsylvania bans: Lead-acid batteries, whole tires, used oil, white goods, leaf waste, electronics (Covered Device Recycling Act CDRA 2010 — TVs, computers, monitors, peripherals banned 2013). Act 101 + Act 108.
Common prohibited
Hazardous waste, paints, oils, batteries, tires, electronics, refrigerants, asbestos, medical waste, fluorescent bulbs, propane, lead-based paint debris (Philly older homes)
Max fine
$1,500 fine for unlicensed dumpster in ROW + seizure/transport/storage costs. Illegal dumping: $2,000-$25,000 per offense.
VERIFIED Apr 2026 against Phila Code §10-722 + §11-610 (codelibrary.amlegal.com). Original fee was $200-$500/yr — actual ordinance is $75/yr (industry markup explains higher figures).
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