Allegheny County, PA Trash & Recycling: Dumpster Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Body material
- Cleanable, nonabsorbent, waterproof
- Pest access
- Must be sealed against pests
- Covering
- Required except during loading
- Regulator
- Allegheny County Health Department
Summary
County code sets construction, covering and cleanliness standards for every dumpster, roll-off container and compactor used to store or haul solid waste in Allegheny County.
Every solid waste transportation vehicle, recycling transportation vehicle, compactor vehicle, solid waste storage container, roll-off container, and compactor used for the storage or transportation of solid waste, waste to be composted or source-separated recyclable materials shall have a body constructed of easily cleanable, nonabsorbent, waterproof material with no means of ingress or egress of animal pests.
B. All joints in the hauling or storage body of the solid waste storage container, the solid waste transportation vehicle, or the recycling transportation vehicle shall be effectively closed and smooth so that no dripping or leakage of draining water or liquid or any loss of debris can occur.
C. Vehicle coverings.
(1) Every solid waste transportation vehicle, compactor vehicle, solid waste storage container, recycling transportation vehicle, and compactor shall be provided with a means of covering the solid waste to be hauled or stored, and of keeping such solid waste securely within the hauling or storage body. Waste shall be covered at all times unless actively being loaded or unloaded or otherwise exempt from being covered by this chapter.
(2) Roll-off containers shall be securely covered when being transported from a customer's location to a solid waste disposal facility, processing facility, or transfer station and anytime when containing putrescible waste.
(3)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4857026; v12 updated 2024-06-04; through 06-04-2024).
Full Breakdown
Under Chapter 570, every solid waste storage container, roll-off container, compactor vehicle and transportation vehicle must have a body of easily cleanable, nonabsorbent, waterproof material with no gaps allowing animal pests to get in. Containers must stay covered except while actively being loaded or unloaded, be kept clean and in good repair, and cannot be loaded above the side-wall height without a permanent cover. The Health Department enforces these standards county-wide.
Violations & Fines
Violations of the container and vehicle standards are enforced by the Allegheny County Health Department under Chapter 570's general violations and penalties provisions, § 570-19.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the county regulate dumpster construction?
Can a dumpster sit uncovered?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Allegheny County
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