Erie, PA Trash & Recycling: Dumpster Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Codified Ordinances Article 1129, QOL-10
- Applies to
- private property, right-of-way, or any City property
- Requirement
- prior approval by the City before placement
- First-offense fine
- $100 per offense
- Escalated citation fine
- $300 to $1,000, or 90 days jail
- Related ticket
- QOL-35 obstruction of right-of-way, also $100
Summary
Any temporary dumpster placed in Erie, whether on private property, in the public right-of-way, or anywhere else in the City, needs prior City approval under the Quality of Life Ticketing Program. Skip that approval and a Public Officer can write a $100 QOL-10 ticket, with the fine climbing to $300-$1,000 if the case reaches a citation.
QOL-10. Temporary Dumpster Permit Required. Each temporary dumpster, whether placed on private property, in a public right-of-way, or on any other property of the City, shall obtain prior approval by the City of Erie.
Full Breakdown
03 lists Temporary Dumpster Permit Required as QOL-10, requiring that every temporary dumpster, no matter whether it sits on private property, in a public right-of-way, or on any other City-owned property, get prior approval from the City of Erie before it is placed. 06). 07). An unapproved dumpster that also blocks a sidewalk, driveway or street can trigger a second, related ticket under QOL-35, obstruction of public rights-of-way, and if it accumulates rubbish or attracts illegal dumping around it, QOL-1 and QOL-3 can apply as well. 08).
Violations & Fines
Operating a temporary dumpster without the City's prior approval is a QOL-10 violation carrying a $100 fine per offense under § 1129.09, and if it also blocks a sidewalk, street or driveway it can double up as a QOL-35 obstruction-of-right-of-way ticket, another $100. Miss the 10-day payment window on either ticket and the case moves to a citation before the Magisterial District Judge, where § 1129.10 sets the fine at $300 to $1,000 per offense or up to 90 days in jail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to put a dumpster on my property in Erie?
What if the dumpster is only in my driveway, not the street?
What's the fine for skipping dumpster approval?
Can a dumpster ticket be combined with other violations?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Erie
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