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Do I Need a Permit to Rent a Dumpster?

We owe it to our generations a better world than it was passed to us by those that came before us. In this regard, it is everyone’s responsibility to preserve the environment. Failure to this, we may live to feel the full wrath of Mother Nature. One of the many ways to do this is by managing waste. This is where dumpsters come in – to carry various types of domestic waste without spilling it on our properties or sidewalks. However, you cannot just wake up and put a dumpster anywhere.

Doing so might see you incur unnecessary hefty fines from your city or property management authority. Whether or not if you need a permit to rent a dumpster entirely depends on your city’s rules and regulations. This article looks at some of the instances that might require you to get a permit before renting a dumpster.

blue dumpster filled with junk

If You Are Placing the Dumpster on Public Property

We cannot all be equal in terms of financial muscle; some of us will be lucky to live in our properties while others will be just fine in rented public properties. In case you live in a public property like city housing, you will need a permit to rent a dumpster. This is because you are not living alone in the neighborhood so placing a dumpster on the property might be interfering with other people’s right of way. However, not all pubic properties will require you to obtain a permit to rent a dumpster so you would want to first confirm with the management.

If You Are Placing the Dumpster on Sidewalks or the Street

You may be living on private property but that does not give you a clean bill of health yet. This is especially if do not have enough space where the dumpster will be placed. It, therefore, means the only place where the dumpsters can be placed in the sidewalks or street. In that case, you will want to obtain a permit to rent a dumpster since it will interfere with your neighbors’ right of way.

When Carrying Out Social Work

Some community social works may come with an exception even if you are placing the dumpster on public property, sidewalk, or street. For example, you might volunteer to cut down a tree that is standing in the way of utility lines or blocking the street. In this case, you will need a dumpster to place the branches and other green matter. In such an instance, the city or property management might waiver the permit for the dumpster. Do not be tempted to assume that you do not need a permit for your dumpster, just because you are doing community social work. Although you are more likely to be excused, first enquire if you need the permit or not so that you are not met with surprises.

Some Garbage Companies May Pay For the Permit

Some garbage companies usually cover for the permit you would have paid for the dumpster. On the flip side, if your garbage company is paying for the permit, the price will be felt in the increased dumpster rental charges. However, you should always insist on first confirming with your garbage company whether or not they cover for the permit. At the same time, some other permits for example those obtained when renovating or building a new home may also cover the dumpster placed on the property.

Dumpster Regulations Vary

Dumpster placement rules and regulations vary from one state to another and city to another. Some cities and states may not require you to obtain a permit to rent a dumpster while some will penalize you painfully for not having one. The best thing you can do is not to assume but confirm with the relevant authorities and department before you place one on the sidewalk.

Every city has various guidelines about how long you can leave the dumpster in the public space, so you will have to perceive what rules you have locally. Regardless of whether you have a grant, you can confront money related punishments if you surpass the rental period. See what laws your city has for expanding the dumpster grant if you extend the timeline. Remember: Permits may not be substantial in certain urban areas during road cleaning or snow crises. You will likewise have to ensure you follow any stopping limitations while putting the dumpster, and get them far from hydrants (ask your city what distance is permitted).