What Is a Dumpster Permit?

A dumpster permit is a document issued by a city or county to a resident or contractor who wants to rent a roll-off dumpster. Whether or not you need a permit — and the type of permit required — varies by municipality and where you plan to keep your dumpster while you work.

Common Permit Names

Just like permit requirements vary by town, the name of the permit you need can vary too. Some of the more common permit names are:

- Street Closing Permit
- Lane Closure Permit
- Street Use/Temporary Use Permit
- Dumpster Permit
- Right-of-Way Permit
- Encroachment Permit

When Do I Need a Permit?

You may need a permit for your dumpster rental in certain situations. Here are a few instances when a permit may be required:

1. If Your Dumpster Will Block the Street or Sidewalk:
Keeping your roll-off dumpster in the street or on the sidewalk are the most common reasons you may need a permit. This is particularly true if your bin will block a public right-of-way. A permit ensures city officials are aware of the temporary placement and holds the resident or contractor accountable for any rules or regulations that aren't followed.

In certain situations, you may not need a permit to keep your bin in a public right-of-way, but you might need to notify the local administration building or police department. Your town's government office will let you know which permit you need, if any, and who you need to speak to. When you call Haul-My-Mess.com to order, one of our expert team members will help you choose the best place to deliver your roll-off dumpster. If your town doesn't allow street placement, or you want to avoid applying for a permit, we'll work with you to find a way to place your dumpster on private property.

2. If You're Keeping Your Bin in Your Driveway:
It's not common, but some cities require a dumpster permit to park your dumpster rental on private property, such as your driveway. If that's the case, you'll need the permit even if your bin isn't encroaching on a sidewalk or public street.

3. If You're Part of a Homeowners Association (HOA):
A homeowners association, or HOA, enforces rules and bylaws for members living in a self-governed neighborhood, condo community, or co-op. They may have certain permits or restrictions related to roll-off dumpsters, even if the municipality doesn't. If you live in a community governed by an HOA, you must abide by its terms and fees.

How Do I Apply for a Dumpster Permit?

Applying for a dumpster permit may vary depending on your local government. Here are a few methods to search for what you need:

1. Check the Website of Your City or Town:
Most local government websites have a page that lists available permits. Visit your town's website and look for a "How Do I?" tab or an "Apply for a permit" link. You can also check department pages such as Public Works, Building, Zoning, Planning and Development, or Street departments. Use the search bar if available, and try searching for terms like "dumpster," "dumpster permit," "right-of-way," or "permits."

2. Contact Your Municipality:
If you can't find a dumpster permit online, the next best option is to call your local government office. The department that handles permits may vary, but some common departments include the Clerk's Office, Public Works Department, Building Department, Zoning Department, Planning and Development Department, Street Department, or Police Department. Calling your local government gives you the opportunity to ask questions and get the most detailed information. You can also discuss options with local officials if street placement isn't allowed.

3. Contact Your HOA:
If you live in a community governed by an HOA, you may need to follow their rules and bylaws regarding dumpsters. Find the contact information for your HOA through your county recorder's office, state division of corporations, or by checking your property deed or mortgage for the HOA's declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&R). If you're having trouble finding the necessary information, reach out to your real estate agent or title company for assistance.

4. Reach Out to Haul-My-Mess.com:
Our experienced team is familiar with the communities we serve and can provide guidance regarding dumpster permits. While we can't issue the permit, we'll let you know if you need one, the type of permit required, and how you can obtain it. Call us at 216-799-9911 to speak to a member of our team. Please note that some local governments may require the dumpster rental service, such as Haul-My-Mess.com, to obtain the permit instead of the homeowner. We'll inform you when you order your roll-off dumpster if applying for a permit is your responsibility or ours.

What Materials Are Accepted and Prohibited?

At Haul-My-Mess.com, we understand that dumpster rentals make cleanups easier by providing a convenient place to dispose of your trash and debris. However, there are certain items that cannot be placed in our dumpsters due to safety hazards or local regulations. If you're unsure whether a specific item is allowed in our roll-off containers, take a look at the guidelines below or reach out to us at 216-799-9911 to find out what can be accepted in your area.

Allowed Materials:

• Household Junk: Most household junk, including chairs, blankets, clothing, toys, pots, pans, and more, can be placed in our dumpsters. Certain appliances and electronics may also be accepted, but it's recommended to check with us beforehand.
• Wooden Furniture: Wooden furniture such as tables, chairs, and bookcases is generally accepted. However, upholstered furniture may have restrictions in some locations.
• Brick, Asphalt & Concrete: Heavy materials like brick, asphalt, broken concrete, pallets, and cinder blocks can be disposed of using our heavy debris dumpsters in specific areas.
• Construction & Home Improvement Debris: Debris from building, demolition, and home improvement projects, including drywall, flooring, wall tiles, insulation, carpet, toilets, subfloor materials, and old countertops, can typically be thrown away in our construction dumpsters.
• Lumber: Untreated lumber and other wood from construction projects, such as two-by-fours and studs, are generally allowed.
• Storm Debris: Our dumpsters can be used for storm debris removal, including damaged building materials and yard waste, as long as they comply with the service area's restrictions.
• Shingles: Roofing debris, including shingles, underlayment, tiles, and plywood, can usually be placed in our roofing dumpsters.

Materials That Can Sometimes Be Accepted:

• Upholstered Furniture: Upholstered furniture like couches and recliners may be accepted in some areas, but it's important to confirm with us as restrictions can vary.
• Yard Waste: In many cases, yard waste such as tree branches, shrubs, and other debris can be disposed of in our dumpsters. However, limitations and additional fees may apply.
• Electronics: Small quantities of personal electronics like TVs, computers, treadmills, and printers can sometimes be thrown away in our dumpsters, depending on local regulations. Additional fees may be incurred for mandated e-waste recycling.
• Dirt: In certain service areas, dumpsters can be used for dirt disposal. However, contaminated soil or soil polluted with chemicals cannot be placed in our dumpsters and must be taken to an approved soil treatment center.
• Mattresses & Box Springs: Disposal of mattresses and box springs may be allowed in specific service areas, but additional fees could apply.

Prohibited Materials:

• Tires: Tires cannot be placed in our dumpsters due to potential damage to landfill structures. Check with auto parts stores or municipal waste departments for tire recycling options in your area.
• Paint Cans & Lacquers: Paints, lacquers, and wood stains containing lead or mercury are prohibited. However, empty paint cans and dry latex paint are usually accepted.
• Adhesives: Glue, epoxy, and other adhesives should not be disposed of in our dumpsters. They can adhere to the container and cause issues. Dispose of these items with your regular household trash or recycling.
• Car Batteries: Car batteries and lithium batteries are not allowed in our dumpsters due to potential leakage of harmful chemicals. Contact local recyclers for proper disposal options.
• Medical Infectious Waste: Used medical supplies, including needles and bandages, should be handled by licensed haulers for medical waste disposal.
• Hazardous Materials: Hazardous materials, such as asbestos, pesticides, contaminated soils, motor oil, and medical waste, cannot be placed in our dumpsters. Proper procedures and hazardous waste collection centers should be followed for their disposal.
• Contaminated Soils & Absorbents: Soils and absorbents mixed with hazardous substances cannot be disposed of through regular waste haulers and must be treated or contained as per federal guidelines.
• Household Cleaners: Chemical cleaners or solvents should not be thrown away in our dumpsters. Empty containers are usually accepted if they don't contain residual chemicals.
• Ink & Resins: Ink, resins, and similar substances can damage equipment and stain the interior of dumpsters. These items should be disposed of at recycling centers or drop-off locations.
• Oils, Fuels & Propane Tanks: Propane tanks, fuels, oils, and other flammable materials pose a safety hazard and should not be placed in our dumpsters. Contact propane companies, fire departments, or hazardous material collection centers for proper disposal.
• Railroad Ties: Railroad ties treated with harmful wood preservatives are not accepted in our dumpsters. They can often be recycled or reused through organizations like Habitat for Humanity.
• Asbestos: Asbestos-containing materials require specialized removal and disposal due to their hazardous nature. Contact licensed asbestos abatement contractors for safe handling and disposal.

At Haul-My-Mess.com, we prioritize compliance with local regulations and safety guidelines to ensure responsible waste disposal. If you have any questions or need further information regarding permitted materials or disposal options, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at 216-799-9911. We're here to help you with your dumpster rental needs in Greater Cleveland and Northeast Ohio.