Do you need a dumpster permit in Chattanooga?
On your own driveway or lot you usually don't. If the dumpster goes on the street, sidewalk or alley, here's what Department of Public Works, Division of Transportation says:
- The city's work zone and dumpster permit page says placing a dumpster or POD in the city right-of-way needs a permit.
- Applications can be downloaded and returned to the Division of Transportation at 1250 Market Street, Suite 3030.
Sources: City of Chattanooga: work zone and dumpster permits. Rules change: confirm with the city or your dumpster company before placing anything on the street.
Where to take what a dumpster can't
Paint, solvents, batteries, pesticides and other household chemicals usually aren't allowed in rental dumpsters. In Chattanooga:
The City of Chattanooga's Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility at 4063 North Hawthorne Street takes residential hazardous waste from Tennessee residents (bring a state ID), also serving Hamilton County.
Source: City of Chattanooga: hazardous household waste. Check hours and eligibility before you go.
Which size for your Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga
- 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.
Chattanooga dumpster questions
Do I need a permit for a dumpster in Chattanooga?
If it goes on your driveway or other private property, usually not. On the street, sidewalk or alley: The city's work zone and dumpster permit page says placing a dumpster or POD in the city right-of-way needs a permit. Confirm with Department of Public Works, Division of Transportation or your dumpster company.
Who gets the dumpster permit in Chattanooga?
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 Chattanooga?
The City of Chattanooga's Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility at 4063 North Hawthorne Street takes residential hazardous waste from Tennessee residents (bring a state ID), also serving Hamilton County.
How much does a dumpster cost in Chattanooga?
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 Chattanooga companies charge for your size and dates.