West Haven, CT Trash & Recycling: Dumpster Rules (2026)

Article II of Chapter 119, adopted 6-9-1986 as Ord. No. 239, controls dumpsters on public ways. Section 119-5 requires a permit from the Director of Public Works before anyone places a rubbish container on a street, highway or sidewalk. Under § 119-6, all contractors supplying rubbish containers for placement on a street, highway or sidewalk file a bond of $500 with the Department of Public Works, good for one year from the time of filing. Every container placed there must be equipped with reflectors, in the number determined by the Director of Public Works or his agents, and the Director or his agents can order additional equipment, such as lights, when needed to ensure the safety of vehicular or pedestrian traffic.

The application comes from the owner of the property the container is to service and carries an application fee of $10; the Director can issue the permit after determining that the supplier has filed the bond (§ 119-7). The application must give three things: the location where the container is to be placed, the size of the container and the approximate length of time it will be at that location (§ 119-8). An approved permit is issued in triplicate, with one copy kept by Public Works, one for the property owner and one supplied to the contractor by the owner (§ 119-10).

If an emergency requires immediate placement while Public Works is closed, the property owner can place the container only after reporting the emergency and registering with the West Haven Police Department, and must apply for the permit on the first business day following the registration during which Public Works is open (§ 119-9). Separately, § 119-1(E) makes collection of garbage from industrial, business and apartment buildings of more than four dwelling units the responsibility of the property owner.