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

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

License required
Dept. of Licenses & Inspections license
Right-of-way fee
$200-$500 per year
Private property fee
$80-$150 one-time
Violation fine
$150 stipulated payment
Enforcement tool
City may seize unlicensed dumpster

Summary

Philadelphia requires a license and radio-frequency medallion for every dumpster used to store refuse or recyclables, whether on private property or in the public right-of-way, before it can be placed in service.

No person shall make use of any dumpster to store refuse or recyclable materials unless such dumpster is licensed under this Section. No person shall place a dumpster in service at any location unless there is a validly issued medallion affixed to the dumpster. No dumpster shall be placed in a location other than as authorized by the license for such dumpster.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 Code: Electronic version of The Philadelphia Code and Home Rule Charter is current through August 19, 2026).

Full Breakdown

Every dumpster used to store refuse or recyclable materials in Philadelphia, on private property or in the public right-of-way, must be licensed by the Department of Licenses and Inspections and carry a UHF radio-frequency medallion transmitting the license number, licensee, provider and approved location. Right-of-way applicants must document what alternative refuse-storage methods they considered first. The city won't license a right-of-way dumpster in a CA-2 Auto-Oriented Commercial District, wherever the Streets Department finds it would interfere with the right-of-way, or within the Bainbridge/Spring Garden/river boundary area unless one was already sited there before September 7, 2016.

Violations & Fines

Violating Section 10-722 carries a $150 stipulated fine under Section 1-112, and the City may seize an unlicensed dumpster left in the public right-of-way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for a dumpster on my own property?
Yes. Section 10-722 requires a license and medallion for any dumpster storing refuse or recyclables, even on private property, unless it is a construction dumpster or serviced by the City.
Can I place a dumpster in the street?
Only with a right-of-way dumpster license approved by the Streets Department; it's barred in CA-2 districts and in parts of Center City where none existed before September 7, 2016.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Philadelphia

Collection ScheduleSome RestrictionsBulk Item DisposalSome RestrictionsRecycling RulesSome RestrictionsIllegal DumpingHeavy RestrictionsBin Placement RulesSome RestrictionsPickup Rules & SchedulesSome RestrictionsRecycling RequirementsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Snow Removal Parking RulesSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/NeuterSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Wildlife FeedingHeavy Restrictions

All Philadelphia rules

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