Do you need a dumpster permit in Boston?
On your own driveway or lot you usually don't. If the dumpster goes on the street, sidewalk or alley, here's what Public Works (Street Occupancy Permit) and Inspectional Services says:
- A dumpster on a public street or sidewalk needs a Street Occupancy Permit from Public Works; apply at least seven business days ahead.
- Fees are a base fee plus a per-square-foot space charge, and signs are extra.
- Dumpsters also need a Site Cleanliness License from Inspectional Services ($50, renewed yearly).
Sources: City of Boston: how to get a street occupancy permit · City of Boston: Site Cleanliness license. Rules change: confirm with the city or your dumpster company before placing anything on the street.
Local tip
Winter snow emergencies and street cleaning both affect parking-lane placement; plan the dates with the company.
Where to take what a dumpster can't
Paint, solvents, batteries, pesticides and other household chemicals usually aren't allowed in rental dumpsters. In Boston:
Boston holds Zero Waste Days for household hazardous waste (20-gallon limit, containers up to 5 gallons, proof of residency). Latex paint can be dried out and put in the trash.
Source: City of Boston: Zero Waste Day. Check hours and eligibility before you go.
Which size for your Boston project?
- Length × width × height
- 22 × 8 × 4–4.5 ft
- Holds about
- 6–10 pickup loads
- Typical price
- $275–$450 a week
Drawn to scale next to a 5 ft 10 in person. Sizes vary by company. Prices are typical weekly ranges from Fixr: dumpster rental cost (updated January 2025). More about the 20-yard →
Typical prices
Companies set their own prices, and they vary by area. As a national benchmark, Fixr lists these weekly ranges for residential roll-offs (Fixr: dumpster rental cost (updated January 2025)):
| Size | Typical dimensions | Holds about | Typical weekly price | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10-yard | 12–16 × 7.5–8 × 3.5–4 ft | 3–5 pickup loads | $250–$400 | A one-room cleanout or garage clear-out |
| 15-yard | 16 × 7.5 × 4.5 ft | 5–7 pickup loads | about $570–$610 average | A large garage or basement cleanout |
| 20-yard | 22 × 8 × 4–4.5 ft | 6–10 pickup loads | $275–$450 | Flooring or carpet removal for a whole floor |
| 30-yard | 22 × 8 × 6 ft | 9–14 pickup loads | $300–$750 | A major renovation or addition |
| 40-yard | 22 × 8 × 8 ft | 12–16 pickup loads | $350–$900 | Demolition of a garage or outbuilding |
Weekly price ranges from Fixr: dumpster rental cost (updated January 2025). 15-yard: average rental price reported by Dumpsters.com: 15 yard dumpster and Budget Dumpster: 15 yard dumpster.
Before you book in Boston
- Decide where it goes: driveway (usually no permit) or street (permit rules above).
- Ask whether the company pulls the permit and whether the fee is in the quote.
- Compare the same size, days and weight allowance across quotes. See reading a quote.
- Set aside paint, batteries and chemicals for the drop-off above.
Boston dumpster questions
Do I need a permit for a dumpster in Boston?
If it goes on your driveway or other private property, usually not. On the street, sidewalk or alley: A dumpster on a public street or sidewalk needs a Street Occupancy Permit from Public Works; apply at least seven business days ahead. Confirm with Public Works (Street Occupancy Permit) and Inspectional Services or your dumpster company.
Who gets the dumpster permit in Boston?
Often the dumpster company. Ask the company whether they apply for it and whether the fee is in the quote.
Where can I take paint, batteries and chemicals in Boston?
Boston holds Zero Waste Days for household hazardous waste (20-gallon limit, containers up to 5 gallons, proof of residency). Latex paint can be dried out and put in the trash.
How much does a dumpster cost in Boston?
Prices vary by company and area. Nationally, Fixr lists about $380 for a week on average, with most rentals between $200 and $550 (Fixr: dumpster rental cost (updated January 2025)). Request quotes to see what Boston companies charge for your size and dates.