Allentown, PA Trash & Recycling: Dumpster Rules (2026)

Section 545-46 of the Streets and Sidewalks chapter treats a dumpster placed in the public right-of-way as a temporary obstruction, and bars placing one there without a use permit issued by the Director of Community and Economic Development or a designee. The obstruction generally cannot extend more than one-third the width of the sidewalk area, and never more than 3 feet, and it must be constructed and maintained so it isn't a hazard to pedestrians. Any dumpster sitting in the cartway, defined as the area between curbs, must be clearly marked with reflective tape (§ 545-46D).

Applicants must submit plans and specifications with their use permit application for approval by the Division of Inspections, and the permit fee is set under Chapter 270, Article V, Community and Economic Development Fees (§ 545-48). That fee schedule charges $35 per month for an approved dumpster in the right-of-way of 20 cubic yards or less, and $55 per month for anything larger (§ 270-44B). Permits can run monthly or annually and renew every January, must be posted in a conspicuous place at the premises, and the City can revoke a permit for a violation of the article (§ 545-50, § 545-51).

Separately, property owners and lessees with a temporary dumpster holding residual waste or recyclables in the right-of-way must keep it covered with a suitable cover or tarpaulin whenever it isn't in use, and the licensed hauler is responsible for covering it during transport (§ 393-9I, added by Ordinance No. 16071 on December 4, 2024).