Cranston, RI Trash & Recycling: Dumpster Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Service hours
- 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. only
- Setback
- 10 feet from side/rear lot line
- Off-hours fine
- up to $200 per day
- Overflow fine
- $50 per day, uncollected weekly
- Temp dumpster permit
- required after 30 days
Summary
Cranston requires commercial dumpsters to be covered, screened from the street, serviced only 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and set back at least ten feet from side or rear lot lines, with fines up to $200 per day for violations.
All dumpsters shall be covered, and the name, address, and telephone number of the commercial waste contractor or hauler shall be prominently displayed on the exterior of each container. Any overflowing refuse container shall be in violation of the Health and Safety Code. All dumpsters shall be screened by fencing or shrubbery if visible from the street. Refuse shall be collected at least once a week from by the commercial waste contractor or hauler, or as many times as necessary to comply with any section of the Cranston City Code or to eliminate a public nuisance, potential health hazards or as the director of public works or director of zoning and code enforcement may determine in accord with the Cranston City Code. Any overflowing of a dumpster due to accumulations of garbage, refuse, trash, not picked up at least once a week will be fined at fifty dollars ($50.00) per day pursuant Chapter 8.28.100 and shall otherwise comply with Chapter 8.28. All dumpsters shall be serviced only between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Anyone in violation of this subsection shall be subject to a fine of up to two hundred dollars ($200.00) for each day in violation. Second and subsequent violations may be subject to a fine of up to three hundred dollars ($300.00) maximum. (Ord. 2021-30, § 1, 10/25/2021)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4824304; v14 updated 2026-05-18).
Full Breakdown
Cranston Code of Ordinances § 8.12.153 requires dumpsters serving residential commercial apartments (five-plus units) to be covered, labeled with the hauler's name and phone number, screened by fencing or shrubbery if street-visible, and collected at least weekly. Servicing is allowed only 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; violations draw fines up to $200 per day. Separately, § 8.12.130 requires all commercial dumpsters citywide to sit at least ten feet from the side or rear lot line and carry owner ID. Homeowners keeping a construction or temporary dumpster over 30 days need an Inspections Department permit under § 8.28.055, or face a $50-per-week fine.
Violations & Fines
Off-hours servicing (outside 7:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.) draws a fine up to $200 per day; overflowing dumpsters not emptied weekly draw $50 per day; unpermitted long-term temporary dumpsters draw $50 per week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a commercial dumpster in Cranston be serviced at night?
Do I need a permit for a construction dumpster at my house?
How far must a dumpster sit from my property line?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cranston
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Dumpster Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle dumpster rules.