Do you need a dumpster permit in Portland?
On your own driveway or lot you usually don't. If the dumpster goes on the street, sidewalk or alley, here's what Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) says:
- A dumpster, pod or storage container on the street is allowed but needs a Temporary Street Use permit.
- City code limits drop boxes near commercial frontage and within 50 feet of an intersection, and requires reflectors after dark.
Sources: PBOT: right-of-way compliance · Portland City Code 16.20.120. 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 Portland:
Metro's two hazardous waste facilities, at Metro Central (6161 NW 61st Ave) and Metro South (2001 Washington St, Oregon City), take household hazardous waste from residents free.
Source: Oregon Metro: regional solid waste facilities. Check hours and eligibility before you go.
Which size for your Portland 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 Portland
- 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.
Portland dumpster questions
Do I need a permit for a dumpster in Portland?
If it goes on your driveway or other private property, usually not. On the street, sidewalk or alley: A dumpster, pod or storage container on the street is allowed but needs a Temporary Street Use permit. Confirm with Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) or your dumpster company.
Who gets the dumpster permit in Portland?
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 Portland?
Metro's two hazardous waste facilities, at Metro Central (6161 NW 61st Ave) and Metro South (2001 Washington St, Oregon City), take household hazardous waste from residents free.
How much does a dumpster cost in Portland?
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 Portland companies charge for your size and dates.