Skip to main content

Dumpster Rental in Charlotte, North Carolina

Complete guide to permits, 25-foot setback requirements, and trusted local providers in the Queen City

📋 Charlotte's Strict Setback Requirements

Charlotte enforces some of the strictest setback requirements in the nation. Understanding these is crucial for compliance:

Setback TypeMinimum DistanceApplies To
Residential Areas25 feetAll neighborhoods
Public Streets25 feetAll street placements
Intersections30-72 inchesHeight restrictions
Fire LanesNo placementProhibited areas

* Plus Right-of-Way Use Permit through CDOT Cityworks Portal. Processing: 3-7 business days.

Quick Charlotte Permit Facts

Permit Requirements

  • Application: CDOT Cityworks Portal
  • Processing: 3-7 business days
  • Duration: Max 30 days initially
  • Extensions: Available through reapplication

Place Type Restrictions

  • Neighborhood 1: Most restrictive
  • Neighborhood 2: Highly restrictive
  • Activity Centers: Moderate
  • Regional Centers: Least restrictive

Charlotte Dumpster Rental Companies

Griffin Waste

Phone: (704) 825-7878

Website: griffinwaste.com

Features: Same-day local service, wide loading door

Service Areas: Uptown, South End, NoDa, Myers Park, Ballantyne

Specialties: Locally operated, no hidden fees, low 4-foot walls

Willow Dumpsters

Website: willowdumpsters.com

Container Sizes: 10, 20, 30, 40-yard options

Features: Locally owned and operated

Service Areas: Charlotte and surrounding counties

Specialties: Licensed and insured, contractor's first choice

VaVia Dumpster Rental

Website: govavia.com

Container Sizes: 10 and 15-yard options

Features: No hidden fees, transparent pricing

Service Areas: Charlotte metro area

Specialties: Specialized in small spaces, driveway placement

Viking Dumpsters

Website: vikingdumpsters.com

Features: Driver tracking available

Services: Courtesy text notifications

Service Areas: Charlotte and surrounding areas

Specialties: Protection boards included, same-day pickup available

DumpStor of Charlotte

Phone: (980) 393-3867

Website: dumpstor.com/charlotte-nc

Container Sizes: 12 and 20-yard options

Service Areas: Charlotte area

Specialties: Driveway protection, fits in parking space, DumpStor Pro combo units

Waste Connections of Charlotte

Website: wasteconnections.com/charlotte

Experience: 25+ years serving Charlotte

Features: Grapple truck services available

Service Areas: Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Gaston, Iredell, York County SC

Specialties: Commercial and residential, recycling options

Note: Contact companies directly for current pricing and availability. Verify they understand Charlotte's 25-foot setback requirements for street placement.

Charlotte Metro Coverage Areas

Central Charlotte

  • Uptown
  • South End
  • NoDa
  • Plaza Midwood
  • Elizabeth
  • Dilworth
  • Myers Park
  • Cotswold

North Charlotte

  • University City
  • Highland Creek
  • Huntersville
  • Cornelius
  • Davidson
  • Mooresville
  • Concord
  • Harrisburg

South Charlotte

  • Ballantyne
  • Pineville
  • Matthews
  • Mint Hill
  • Indian Trail
  • Waxhaw
  • Fort Mill, SC
  • Rock Hill, SC

West Charlotte

  • Steele Creek
  • Mountain Island
  • Belmont
  • Mount Holly
  • Gastonia
  • Kings Mountain
  • Cramerton
  • Lowell

Also serving: Monroe, Kannapolis, Statesville, Shelby, and all of Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Gaston, and surrounding counties

Charlotte Permit Application Process

1

Check Setback Requirements

Verify you can maintain 25-foot setbacks from residential areas and streets. Many properties cannot accommodate compliant placement.

2

Access Cityworks Portal

Visit CDOT's Cityworks Public Portal and create an account. Select Right-of-Way Use Permit.

3

Submit Site Plan

Upload detailed site plan showing setback compliance with measurements from all property lines, streets, and structures.

4

Provide Insurance

Submit proof of liability insurance meeting Charlotte's requirements.

5

Pay Fees & Wait

Pay fees according to annual User Fee Schedule. Wait 3-7 business days for review. Complex cases may take longer.

Charlotte Safety & Documentation Requirements

Required Documentation

  • ✓ Detailed site plan with measurements
  • ✓ Property owner authorization
  • ✓ Proof of liability insurance
  • ✓ Duration and purpose statement
  • ✓ Traffic control plan (busy streets)
  • ✓ Company registration/license

Safety Equipment

  • ✓ Reflective markers on corners
  • ✓ Company identification visible
  • ✓ Permit number displayed
  • ✓ Warning lights if needed
  • ✓ Traffic cones for street placement
  • ✓ Maintain sight lines

Charlotte Market Considerations

Banking & Business Hub Growth

Charlotte's status as the second-largest banking center creates constant commercial renovation demand. Book early for Uptown and South End projects.

Rapid Suburban Expansion

Areas like Ballantyne, University City, and surrounding towns are booming. New construction and home renovations keep dumpster demand high year-round.

Historic Neighborhoods

Dilworth, Myers Park, and Plaza Midwood have mature trees and narrow streets. Many companies offer smaller footprint options for these areas.

NASCAR & Event Season

Race weeks and major events at Bank of America Stadium create traffic and availability challenges. Plan accordingly during these periods.

Carolina Weather Patterns

Humid summers and occasional ice storms affect project timing. Spring and fall are busiest for renovations and cleanouts.

Multi-County Service Areas

Charlotte metro spans North and South Carolina. Some companies serve both states - verify service areas for outlying locations.

Charlotte Neighborhood Place Types

Neighborhood 1 (Most Restrictive)

  • • Enhanced setback requirements beyond 25 feet
  • • Limited hours of operation
  • • Additional neighbor notification may be required
  • • Areas: Historic districts, single-family residential

Neighborhood 2 (Highly Restrictive)

  • • Standard 25-foot setbacks apply
  • • Some time restrictions may apply
  • • Standard permit process
  • • Areas: Mixed residential, transitional zones

Community Activity Centers (Moderate)

  • • More flexible placement options
  • • Business hour restrictions
  • • Commercial areas with nearby residential
  • • Areas: South End, NoDa, Plaza Midwood

Regional Activity Centers (Least Restrictive)

  • • Standard requirements only
  • • Most flexible placement options
  • • Commercial and industrial zones
  • • Areas: Uptown, major commercial corridors

Charlotte Permit Contacts

Charlotte Department of Transportation (CDOT)

Phone: (704) 336-4119

Portal: CDOT Cityworks

Email: Via Cityworks Portal

Address: 600 East 4th Street

Charlotte, NC 28202

Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

Located in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center

Ready to Rent a Dumpster in Charlotte?

Calculate the right size for your project or apply for permits online

Last updated: September 2025 | Verify current requirements with Charlotte DOT