Upper Darby Township requires permits for the placement and use of dumpsters, open-top containers, portable storage containers, and compaction containers on public streets within the Township.

Dumpster permits are required to ensure that containers placed within the public right-of-way are maintained in a safe manner, do not interfere with pedestrian or vehicular traffic, and comply with Township regulations.

It is unlawful to place or maintain a dumpster, open-top container, portable storage container, or compaction container on a public street within Upper Darby Township without first obtaining the required Dumpster Permit.

Dumpster permits help protect public safety, preserve parking and roadway access, reduce nuisance conditions, and ensure proper maintenance of containers located within the public right-of-way.

Permit Requirements (Township Code – Chapter 276)

In accordance with Chapter 276 of the Upper Darby Township Code, any person, firm, or corporation that maintains or utilizes a dumpster, open-top container, portable storage container, or compaction container on a public street within Upper Darby Township must first obtain a Dumpster Permit from the Department of Licenses & Inspections.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Dumpsters
• Open-top containers
• Portable storage containers
• Compaction containers

A Dumpster Permit is required only when the container is to be located on a public street.

What Types of Containers Require a Dumpster Permit

For purposes of this chapter, the following containers are regulated:

• Dumpsters – covered, wheeled, or otherwise movable receptacles used for the storage and/or collection of refuse or trash
• Open-Top Containers – uncovered receptacles used for the storage and/or collection of refuse, trash, debris, or other solid waste materials
• Portable Storage Containers – movable containers used for temporary storage
• Compaction Containers – receptacles designed or utilized for the crushing, compressing, storage, and/or collection of refuse, trash, debris, or other solid waste materials

Who May Apply for and Use a Dumpster Permit

Dumpster permits may only be applied for by the person, firm, or corporation responsible for the container and its use.

Permits may be obtained by:

• Contractors or construction companies
• Property owners or tenants arranging for a permitted container
• Waste haulers or container companies
• Other persons, firms, or corporations placing a regulated container on a public street

The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the container is properly maintained and complies with all permit conditions and Township requirements.

When a Dumpster Permit is Required

A Dumpster Permit is required whenever a dumpster, open-top container, portable storage container, or compaction container will be placed on a public street within Upper Darby Township.

This may include placement for:

• Construction or demolition debris
• Property cleanouts
• Renovation or repair projects
• Temporary storage needs
• Waste collection or disposal purposes

If the container will be located entirely on private property, a Dumpster Permit is not required; however, the container must still comply with applicable Township regulations.

Placement on Private Property

Temporary dumpsters, open-top containers, or portable storage containers may be placed on private property for a maximum of six (6) months. If the placement is directly associated with a valid construction permit, placement is permitted for the duration of that permit.

Placement on private property must still be maintained in a safe and lawful manner and may be subject to other applicable Township codes and regulations.

Before You Apply

Prior to submitting a Dumpster Permit application, applicants should:

• Determine whether the container will be placed on a public street or private property
• Confirm the exact location of the proposed container
• Verify the size and type of container
• Determine the proposed dates of use
• Ensure that the container will not interfere with lawful parking, traffic flow, or pedestrian safety
• Ensure that required reflectors or fluorescent materials are installed on all four sides of the container

Incomplete applications will delay review.

Application Requirements

A complete Dumpster Permit application must include:

• Completed permit application form
• Name of the container owner
• Name of the container operator, if different from the owner
• Location of the proposed container
• Size of the container
• Dates of intended use
• Any additional information required by the Department of Licenses & Inspections

Additional documentation may be required depending on the proposed location or circumstances of placement.

Reflector and Visibility Requirements

No dumpster, open-top container, portable storage container, or compaction container may be placed on a public street unless it has reflectors or other fluorescent materials attached to all four sides.

All reflectors or fluorescent materials must:

• Be attached to all four sides of the container
• Be readily visible to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic

No Dumpster Permit will be issued for a container that does not comply with this requirement.

Placement and Safety Requirements

All containers placed on a public street must be located in a lawful and safe manner. Containers:

• May only be placed where vehicles are legally permitted to park
• Must not create a nuisance or hazard to vehicular traffic
• Must not create a nuisance or hazard to pedestrian traffic
• Must be maintained in a safe condition at all times

Placement that interferes with public safety, traffic, or accessibility may result in denial or revocation of the Dumpster Permit.

Maintenance Requirements

All containers regulated by Chapter 276 must be properly maintained so as not to create a public nuisance. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Timely and proper removal of refuse, trash, debris, and other solid waste materials
• Emptying dumpsters as soon as practicable
• Keeping the area around the container free of loose debris
• Preventing overflow or unsafe accumulation of material

No hazardous materials or organic waste may be placed in regulated containers.

Permit Duration and Extensions

A Dumpster Permit is issued only for the actual period of use and may not exceed 30 days from the date of issuance.

• One extension of up to 30 additional days may be obtained by applying for another Dumpster Permit
• Requests for an extension beyond the maximum 60-day period must be submitted in writing to the Director of Licenses & Inspections and must demonstrate justifiable cause

Fees and Payments 

Permit fees are established in accordance with the Township Fee Schedule.

At the time of application, the required Dumpster Permit fee must be paid to the Department of Licenses & Inspections.

Payments may be made:

• Online
• By check or money order

Cash is not accepted.

Fees are subject to change. Please contact the Township to verify the most current fee schedule.

Metered Parking and Parking Enforcement Requirements

If the dumpster or container is to be placed within a metered parking area, additional coordination and payment is required through Parking Enforcement.

This includes:

• Payment of the prevailing rate for any parking meters taken out of service
• Coordination for meter reservations or temporary parking restrictions

For all questions related to metered parking, including fees, reservations, and restrictions, please contact Parking Enforcement directly:

Phone: 610-734-7646
Email: parking@upperdarby.org

Permittee Responsibilities

The permittee is responsible for:

• Ensuring that the container is lawfully placed
• Maintaining all required reflectors or fluorescent materials
• Keeping the container and surrounding area in a safe and clean condition
• Ensuring that no prohibited materials are placed in the container
• Removing the container at the expiration of the Dumpster Permit period unless properly extended
• Complying with all Dumpster Permit conditions and Township requirements

Important Reminders

• A Dumpster Permit is required before placing a regulated container on a public street
• Containers must not block or obstruct fire hydrants
• Containers must not be placed within prohibited distances of intersections or corners
• Containers must not block driveways, alleyways, sidewalks, or pedestrian pathways
• Containers may only be placed where vehicles are legally permitted to park
• Containers must not create a hazard or nuisance to vehicular or pedestrian traffic
• Containers placed on public streets must have reflectors or fluorescent materials on all four sides
• No hazardous materials or organic waste may be placed in regulated containers
• Dumpster Permits are temporary and subject to duration limits and extension requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Dumpster Permit to place a dumpster in the street?
Yes. Any regulated container placed on a public street requires a Dumpster Permit.

Do I need a Dumpster Permit if the dumpster is on private property?
A Dumpster Permit is not required if the container is located entirely on private property. However, private-property placement is still subject to Township regulations and time limitations.

How long can I keep a dumpster in the street?
A Dumpster Permit may be issued for the actual period of use, up to 30 days. One additional extension of up to 30 days may be obtained, and longer extensions require written approval and justifiable cause.

Does the container need reflectors?
Yes. Reflectors or fluorescent materials must be attached to all four sides of the container and be readily visible.

Can I place a dumpster in a metered parking space?
Yes, if approved, but the applicant must also coordinate with Parking Enforcement and pay applicable meter fees.

Contact the Department of Licenses & Inspections

For questions regarding Dumpster Permits, please contact the Department of Licenses & Inspections.

Email: LI@UpperDarby.org
Phone: 610-734-7613

Residents may also submit inquiries or report concerns through the Township One Center.

To submit a concern, email One@UpperDarby.org or call the One Center Request Line at 610-734-7625.