This is one of the most common questions we get on the phone, and the answer is simpler than most permit pages make it sound. Where the dumpster sits decides everything.
The rule in one sentence
Private property: no permit. Public street or sidewalk: permit. That rule holds across the City of LA, Glendale, Burbank, and unincorporated LA County. The details of who issues it and what it costs are what change from city to city.
Permits by area
| Where | Street placement | Who handles it |
|---|---|---|
| City of Los Angeles | Permit required | City of LA public works (street-use permit) |
| Glendale | Permit required | Glendale Public Works |
| Burbank | Permit required | Burbank Public Works |
| Unincorporated LA County | Permit required | LA County Public Works, via the EPIC-LA portal |
| Any city, on your driveway | No permit | Nobody. That's the point. |
Some foothill communities like La Crescenta straddle county and city lines, so the governing office depends on your exact street. Call us and we'll help you figure out which one applies.
What a street permit involves
- Apply with the city or county office, usually online. You'll give the dumpster size, placement location, and dates.
- Pay the fee. Typically $25 to $200 depending on the city and duration.
- Allow lead time. Most offices want 3 to 5 business days before the bin arrives.
- Post the permit visibly on the dumpster once it's placed.
Placement rules that apply either way
- Don't block fire hydrants, driveways, sidewalks ramps, or building exits.
- Keep bins on flat, stable surfaces. Hillside streets need extra care with wheel chocks and positioning.
- Nothing loads above the rim. Overfilled bins can't be legally hauled.
- Reflectors or cones may be required overnight on street placements.
What about hazardous waste?
No permit makes paint, solvents, batteries, tires, or electronics legal in a dumpster. LA County runs free S.A.F.E. collection centers for household hazardous waste. Everything else — construction debris, furniture, yard waste, concrete in the right bin — is fair game.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit if the dumpster goes on my driveway?
- No. Placement on private property, including driveways, yards, and private lots, does not require a city permit anywhere in our LA service area. HOA rules can still apply, so check yours if you have one.
- How much does a dumpster street permit cost in LA?
- Typically somewhere between $25 and $200 depending on the city, the location, and how long the bin stays out. Most cities also want the application a few business days before delivery.
- How far in advance should I apply for a street permit?
- Plan on 3 to 5 business days in most LA-area cities. Applying the day before delivery usually does not work. If your timeline is tight, driveway placement avoids the permit entirely.
- Can someone park in the spot my permitted dumpster reserves?
- No. A street permit reserves that curb space for the bin. Vehicles parked there can be cited or towed. Post the permit visibly on the dumpster.