Do you need a dumpster permit in San Francisco?
On your own driveway or lot you usually don't. If the dumpster goes on the street, sidewalk or alley, here's what San Francisco Public Works says:
- Two permits are involved: the debris box company needs its own Public Works registration, and a separate street space or temporary occupancy permit is needed for your location.
- A Temporary Occupancy permit covers up to 14 days; Street Space permits run in one-month blocks up to six months.
- Boxes can't go in a traffic lane or on the sidewalk without special permission, and full boxes must be removed within two business days.
Sources: SF Public Works: debris box permit · SF Public Works: temporary occupancy. Rules change: confirm with the city or your dumpster company before placing anything on the street.
Local tip
Steep streets and tight parking make the smaller 10-yard box common here; ask the company which sizes they can place on your block.
Where to take what a dumpster can't
Paint, solvents, batteries, pesticides and other household chemicals usually aren't allowed in rental dumpsters. In San Francisco:
Recology's Household Hazardous Waste Facility at 501 Tunnel Avenue takes household hazardous waste from San Francisco residents with proof of residency (limit 15 gallons or 125 pounds; no medicine).
Source: SF Environment: Recology household hazardous waste facility. Check hours and eligibility before you go.
Which size for your San Francisco 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 San Francisco
- 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.
San Francisco dumpster questions
Do I need a permit for a dumpster in San Francisco?
If it goes on your driveway or other private property, usually not. On the street, sidewalk or alley: Two permits are involved: the debris box company needs its own Public Works registration, and a separate street space or temporary occupancy permit is needed for your location. Confirm with San Francisco Public Works or your dumpster company.
Who gets the dumpster permit in San Francisco?
Often the dumpster company. Two permits are involved: the debris box company needs its own Public Works registration, and a separate street space or temporary occupancy permit is needed for your location.
Where can I take paint, batteries and chemicals in San Francisco?
Recology's Household Hazardous Waste Facility at 501 Tunnel Avenue takes household hazardous waste from San Francisco residents with proof of residency (limit 15 gallons or 125 pounds; no medicine).
How much does a dumpster cost in San Francisco?
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 San Francisco companies charge for your size and dates.