New Orleans, LA Trash & Recycling: Dumpster Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing sections
- City Code §§ 146-584 to 146-586
- Issuing agency
- Department of Public Works
- Application fee
- $40.00, non-refundable
- Unmetered curb-space fee
- $10.00 per day
- Permit term
- 45 days, renewable
- Unpermitted dumpster fine
- Up to $500.00 per citation
Summary
City Code § 146-584 requires a Department of Public Works permit before placing a dumpster or trash container in the public right-of-way, with a $40 application fee, $10/day curb-space charge, and a 45-day renewable permit term.
The placement of trash containers, receptacles, other similar containers, and dumpsters, hereafter referred to as dumpsters for purposes of this section, in the public right-of-way by contractors, builders, owners, or others requiring the temporary use of curb space to facilitate work conducted by them in the immediate vicinity shall be allowed only after the issuance of a permit by the department of public works. The city is authorized to impose conditions on the issuance of any permit issued pursuant to this section. If the curb space to be utilized, or any portion thereof, is regulated by parking meters, then the space designated for dumpster placement and fees relative thereto shall be as provided in section 154-1090, and fees for all other spaces shall be $10.00 per day. The city shall collect from the applicant for such permit an application fee in the amount of $40.00. The permit issued by the department of public works shall be valid for a period not to exceed 45 days, and may be renewed for additional 45-day periods.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 116 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Section 146-584 covers trash containers, receptacles and dumpsters placed by contractors, builders, owners or others in the public right-of-way to support work in the immediate vicinity, permitted only after the Department of Public Works issues a permit, which may carry conditions the city imposes. 00 per day. 00 application fee, and the resulting permit is valid for up to 45 days, renewable for additional 45-day periods if the applicant requests renewal at least five working days before expiration. A companion section, § 146-585, requires every permitted dumpster to display the owner's or responsible party's name, address and phone number in contrasting-color lettering at least two inches tall on each side, along with the permit itself and two "Type 2" reflective safety markers on each upper corner at each end, either three three-inch yellow reflectors or an all-yellow reflective panel at least six by 12 inches. 00 per citation, with an appeal available under the process set out in Chapter 154 of the Code.
Violations & Fines
Placing an unpermitted dumpster in the right-of-way exposes the owner or responsible party to a fine of up to $500.00 per citation and mandatory removal by the city under § 146-586; fines are appealable under the Chapter 154 process. Permitted dumpsters missing required identification or safety markers can also be cited under § 146-585.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to put a dumpster on the street in New Orleans?
How long does a New Orleans dumpster right-of-way permit last?
What happens if I place a dumpster without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in New Orleans
Compare New Orleans to another location·View the Louisiana trash & recycling overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.