A commercial dumpster rental for your business is a convenient and cost-effective way to handle waste disposal. Whether you need it for day-to-day operations or to accommodate the debris and other extra waste generated during a renovation project, you’ll want to pay close attention to local municipal regulations.

Failing to get the proper permits or follow other local guidelines could get your business fined or slapped with other financial penalties.

Our latest guide walks you through the key regulations and permit requirements for renting a dumpster in some of our local service areas.

Reasons why you might need a dumpster rental permit

Commercial dumpster rentals might need to occupy a space for a longer period than a residential dumpster. Oftentimes, businesses need them to safely dispose of debris and other waste during construction or renovation projects, which can take more than a few days or weeks to complete.

Depending on where a commercial site is located, the dumpster may require placement in the right of way such as on sidewalks or blocking public access roads.

Even if the roll-off dumpster is situated on privately owned commercial property, the municipality still may require a permit for its use. A good rule of thumb is to always check with the government body responsible for issuing permits to verify whether you need one.

Types of commercial dumpster rental permits in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has two types of permits for commercial dumpster rentals.

• Dumpster permits. Most cities and municipalities in Pennsylvania require permits when placing a dumpster in public streets or alleys and on sidewalks. The permit application may ask for information such as dumpster size, placement location, length of rental, and the type of waste intended for disposal. Fees can range between $25 to $150 depending on your municipality.
• Waste hauler permits. Companies that offer commercial dumpster rentals may need a waste hauler permit that regulates the transport and disposal of waste. Fees can range from $50 to $500 annually. These permits are obtained by the dumpster rental company.

How dumpster regulations impact rental costs

Commercial dumpster rental companies can pass along the cost of dumpster and waste hauler permits to customers. Other regulations that can impact the amount you pay for a dumpster include:

• Strict waste type rules. Many municipalities prohibit the disposal of certain types of waste in dumpsters, which requires added labor and disposal costs. Always review with your dumpster rental company how you plan to use the dumpster to verify whether you require special permitting.
• Location restrictions. Smaller dumpsters with more frequent pick-up and drop-off service may be required if you’re limited to where you can place a commercial dumpster because of the size of the property.
• Landfill fees. Some cities impose waste fees at municipal landfills, increasing the cost to dump commercial waste.

Regulations aim to improve safety and cleanliness. However, they can make commercial dumpster rentals more expensive for commercial property owners. Make sure all service fees are included in the contract before you agree to rent from a dumpster company to avoid surprise charges when you receive the final bill.

Allegheny County commercial dumpster rental rules

K.E.I. Dumpster Rental provides commercial dumpster rentals to customers in Northern Allegheny County. Service areas include Bakerstown, Gibsonia, and Pine Township.

Customers in these municipalities must check with the local government planning authority to determine whether they need a permit or must be other regulations before renting a roll-off dumpster.

Bakerstown and Gibsonia commercial dumpster requirements

Bakerstown and Gibsonia fall under the umbrella of the municipality of Richland Township. According to the township’s zoning office, commercial dumpster rentals require a permit if they block public access or if they will be on-site for more than a few days.

Commercial customers in these areas must contact the building and zoning offices to request a permit before renting a dumpster.

Pine Township commercial dumpster requirements

Pine Township does not require permits for renting roll-off dumpsters. However, the municipality prefers commercial property owners place the dumpsters on their property and not in the right-of-way.

According to Pam Alikhani, the township’s code support assistant, if placing a dumpster on your property isn’t possible due to space constraints, you must call the building, planning, and zoning offices to discuss options.

Blocking a street or sidewalk with a dumpster without authorization from the township isn’t acceptable and can result in consequences.

Butler County Commercial dumpster rental rules

K.E.I. serves over 39 cities and municipalities in Butler County for all their residential and commercial dumpster rental needs. Some of our busiest areas may or may not require permits before you rent from us. Here’s a look at a few of those municipalities and their guidelines.

Butler City commercial dumpster requirements

Butler City doesn’t require permits for dumpster rentals. However, there are some rules they ask commercial and residential property owners to follow to make the process safe and convenient for everyone.

According to JoAnn Snyder, all dumpsters must be in a legal parking space and not block public access to intersections or sidewalks. The building and zoning department also asks for the placement of safety cones around the dumpster to alert pedestrians and other vehicles to its presence.

Lastly, they ask that dumpsters not occupy parking spaces for any longer than necessary. Contact the offices if you have any situations that may require a long-term placement of a roll-off dumpster rental to ensure you’re still meeting these requirements.

Mars Borough and Slippery Rock Borough commercial dumpster requirements

Neither Mars Borough nor Slippery Rock Borough require property owners to obtain a permit before renting a commercial dumpster.

Zelienople Borough commercial dumpster requirements

Zelienople Borough doesn’t require a permit for roll-off dumpster rentals. However, they do have some safety guidelines they ask all property owners to follow before having a dumpster delivered to their site. Those instructions are available from the local police department, which can be reached at 724-452-3003.

If the dumpster is fully on your property, there is no need to notify the police. For dumpster placement on a local street or that otherwise might interfere with the public right of way, code enforcement officer Jason Sarver said you must reach out to the borough police before renting.

Precautions are like those required by the City of Butler and include placing orange construction cones to make sure the dumpster is visible to the public to ensure their safety.

Consequences of not following dumpster rental rules

Full compliance with any city or municipal ordinances about commercial dumpster rentals protects your business from penalties.

Some of the most common consequences for failing to follow dumpster rental rules for your community include:

• Fines. Local governments can issue citations for unpermitted dumpsters that levy a financial penalty against your business.
• Liability for injuries or damages. An improperly permitted dumpster that causes injuries or damage to public property creates a financial liability for your business.
• Revoked service. Dumpster companies can halt service or refuse service if they discover you’ve failed to secure the proper permits when required.

To avoid these and other headaches, K.E.I.’s team recommends checking permit requirements and other regulations before reserving a commercial dumpster rental with us.