Boston Dumpster Permit: Cost, Requirements, and How to Apply

Placing a roll-off dumpster in a Boston street parking space requires a street occupancy permit from Boston Public Works. Without one, your dumpster has no legal right to that curb space, and the city can require removal. Here's what the permit costs, how to apply, and what to know before your drop date.

What Is a Boston Dumpster Permit?

A Boston dumpster permit is a street occupancy permit issued by Boston Public Works (PWD). It reserves parking spaces for your roll-off dumpster and authorizes the No Parking signs that keep those spaces clear.

You need one any time a dumpster sits in a public parking lane, including home renovation, cleanout, or commercial construction projects. Dumpsters on private property, such as driveways or parking lots, don't need this permit.

Who Needs One

Anyone placing a roll-off dumpster in a Boston street parking space needs a permit. This includes:

• Homeowners and landlords doing renovations or cleanouts
• Contractors managing construction debris
• Dumpster rental companies working on public streets
• Property managers overseeing multi-unit projects

You need a bonded Boston Public Works account for a dumpster street occupancy permit. Easy Moving Permits does not replace that requirement. We make the process easier by filing the permit and posting the No Parking signs once you provide the bonded account details.

How Much Does a Boston Dumpster Permit Cost?

Boston PWD prices permits by square footage. One parking space = 160 sq ft.

The city fee is made up of:

• $50 base fee
• $0.10 per sq ft per day (first 500 sq ft)
• $0.05 per sq ft per day (beyond 500 sq ft)
• $4 per No Parking sign (one sign per every two spaces)
• $20 per metered space per day if any spaces have parking meters

Cost Examples

The city fee goes directly to Boston PWD. The service fee covers permit filing and physically posting the No Parking signs at your location.

How to Apply

There are two ways to get a Boston dumpster permit:

Option 1: Apply directly with Boston PWD

File the application yourself, pay the city fee, handle the bond requirements, and post the No Parking signs at your location before the permit start date.

Option 2: Use Easy Moving Permits

We file the application and post the No Parking signs for you. Service fee: $179, which is $51 less than other permit services. Your card is only charged once the permit is approved.

The 7 Business Day Rule

Boston Public Works requires applications to be submitted at least 7 business days before your start date. This is a firm city requirement, not a suggestion. Applications submitted with less lead time won't be processed in time.

Monday through Friday count as business days, excluding Massachusetts state holidays. Apply as soon as your delivery date is confirmed. There's no benefit to waiting.

Permit Duration

Boston dumpster permits typically cover up to two weeks. If your project runs longer, you'll need to apply for a new permit before the current one expires. The same space can be re-permitted.

Year-Round Availability

Some permit services stop accepting dumpster permit applications from May through September. Boston Public Works has no seasonal restriction. Dumpster permits are available year-round. Easy Moving Permits handles them throughout the year, including during the busy summer and September 1 moving season.

What the No Parking Signs Cover

The permit authorizes No Parking signs at your location. They're legally enforceable, so vehicles parked in the reserved space after signs go up can be ticketed or towed. Signs must be posted before the permit start date.

If you need the signs removed after your permit expires, Easy Moving Permits offers sign removal as an add-on service.

Common Questions

Do I need to be a registered contractor with Boston PWD?

You need a bonded company, contractor, or individual account in Boston's system. Easy Moving Permits handles the filing and sign posting, and you provide the bonded account details during the application.

Can I put a dumpster in any parking space on any street?

Generally yes, on any public street parking space. Restrictions apply near fire hydrants, bus stops, and intersections. Boston PWD reviews placement when processing your application and will flag any conflicts.

What if my project runs longer than two weeks?

Apply for a new permit before the current one expires. The same space can be re-permitted with a new application.

Does my dumpster company pull the permit or do I?

Varies by company. Ask before you schedule delivery. If they don't handle permits, you can apply yourself or use a permit service.

What happens if I don't have a permit?

No legal right to the curb space. Boston can require immediate removal of the dumpster. Without a permit there are also no No Parking signs, which means other vehicles can legally park in the space your dumpster needs.

See also: Boston Street Occupancy Permits for cranes, scaffolding, filming, valet, and more.