Dumpster license and Medallion instructions:
All private property, public right-of-way, and construction dumpsters are required to obtain a license through eCLIPSE from the Department of Licenses and Inspections. Permits for temporary placement of licensed construction dumpsters can be obtained through the Department of Streets Right of Way Unit.
You Should Know:
There is a separate fee for each dumpster; however, only one license will be issued that covers all the dumpsters at a property. Fees vary depending on the size and use of the dumpster:
-
| Public and Private Dumpsters (Not Construction Dumpsters) |
| Size | Use | Lifetime Fee (Private) | Annual Fee
(Public right-of –way) |
| Less than 1 Cubic yard | Trash | $80 | $200 |
| Less than 1 Cubic yard | Recycling | $40 | $100 |
| Greater than or equal to 1 cu. yd. | Trash | $150 | $500 |
| Greater than or equal to 1 cu. yd. | Recycling | $75 | $250 |
Further Information:
CONSTRUCTION DUMPSTER LICENSES are $60 per dumpster per week (1-year duration). These are required of all dumpsters larger than a household trash can designed for the storage of any manner of construction-related waste, refuse or debris.
All dumpsters are required to have a Radio Frequency Identification (RFI) Medallion attached to it. Medallions are available at the Municipal Services Building (1401 JFK Boulevard, Concourse Level). The ordinance requires the Department of Licenses & Inspections to issue Medallions that electronically transmit.
Do I need approval for a dumpster placed in the public right-of-way?
Yes. You must first obtain approval from the Streets Department's Right-of-way Unit before Licenses
and Inspections will issue a license and dumpster. The Right-of-way Unit can be contacted at rowinspection@phila.gov.
Prohibited areas:
Dumpsters are prohibited on the sidewalk or street at certain locations and under the following conditions:
- In the Center City area (between Bainbridge St., Spring Garden St., Delaware River, and the Schuylkill River) where a licensed public dumpster was not located 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.
