Do you need a dumpster permit in Pittsburgh?
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 Mobility & Infrastructure (DOMI) says:
- A dumpster in the street for construction or a clean-out needs a Construction Staging Permit, valid up to 42 days with one possible 42-day extension.
- If the permit includes No Parking signs, they must go up at least 48 hours before the permit starts. DOMI recommends applying 3 to 4 weeks ahead through OneStopPGH.
- The permit has to be attached to the dumpster and stay legible.
Sources: City of Pittsburgh DOMI: construction staging permit (demolition dumpster) info sheet. 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 Pittsburgh:
The city runs household hazardous waste and e-waste collection days, and the Pennsylvania Resources Council holds household chemical collections across Allegheny County; see the state's county-by-county list.
Source: PA DEP: household hazardous waste collection programs. Check hours and eligibility before you go.
Which size for your Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh
- 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.
Pittsburgh dumpster questions
Do I need a permit for a dumpster in Pittsburgh?
If it goes on your driveway or other private property, usually not. On the street, sidewalk or alley: A dumpster in the street for construction or a clean-out needs a Construction Staging Permit, valid up to 42 days with one possible 42-day extension. Confirm with Department of Mobility & Infrastructure (DOMI) or your dumpster company.
Who gets the dumpster permit in Pittsburgh?
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 Pittsburgh?
The city runs household hazardous waste and e-waste collection days, and the Pennsylvania Resources Council holds household chemical collections across Allegheny County; see the state's county-by-county list.
How much does a dumpster cost in Pittsburgh?
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 Pittsburgh companies charge for your size and dates.