Do you need a dumpster permit in St. Louis?
On your own driveway or lot you usually don't. If the dumpster goes on the street, sidewalk or alley, here's what City of St. Louis Street Department says:
- A dumpster that blocks any part of a street, sidewalk or curb lane needs a Blocking Right-of-Way permit from the Street Department.
- The application asks for contact details, the location, dates and hours, and a traffic control plan.
- The city's fee schedule lists a dumpster in a residential area at $20 a week, with separate curb-lane blocking fees.
Sources: City of St. Louis: apply for a blocking right-of-way permit. Rules change: confirm with the city or your dumpster company before placing anything on the street.
Local tip
St. Louis City and St. Louis County are separate governments: suburbs like Clayton or Kirkwood set their own rules.
Where to take what a dumpster can't
Paint, solvents, batteries, pesticides and other household chemicals usually aren't allowed in rental dumpsters. In St. Louis:
Saint Louis Household Hazardous Waste (HHWSTL) serves residents of St. Louis City, St. Louis County and Jefferson County by reservation at hhwstl.com, with facilities in Lemay and North St. Louis County.
Source: Saint Louis Household Hazardous Waste (HHWSTL). Check hours and eligibility before you go.
Which size for your St. Louis 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 St. Louis
- 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.
St. Louis dumpster questions
Do I need a permit for a dumpster in St. Louis?
If it goes on your driveway or other private property, usually not. On the street, sidewalk or alley: A dumpster that blocks any part of a street, sidewalk or curb lane needs a Blocking Right-of-Way permit from the Street Department. Confirm with City of St. Louis Street Department or your dumpster company.
Who gets the dumpster permit in St. Louis?
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 St. Louis?
Saint Louis Household Hazardous Waste (HHWSTL) serves residents of St. Louis City, St. Louis County and Jefferson County by reservation at hhwstl.com, with facilities in Lemay and North St. Louis County.
How much does a dumpster cost in St. Louis?
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 St. Louis companies charge for your size and dates.