Dumpster Rental in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Complete guide to RFID permits, complex licensing tiers, and trusted local providers in the City of Brotherly Love
📋 Philadelphia's Complex RFID Permit System
Philadelphia is the ONLY US city requiring RFID medallions on all dumpsters. Three different license types with varying costs:
| License Type | Cost | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Private Property | $80-$150 | One-time (never expires) |
| Public Right-of-Way | $200-$500 | Annual renewal |
| Construction Fleet | $75 per 3 | Fleet license |
| RFID Medallion | REQUIRED | All dumpsters |
* Apply via eCLIPSE online (5 days) or in-person at 1401 JFK Blvd (same day)
Quick Philadelphia Permit Facts
Permit Requirements
- System: eCLIPSE online
- Office: 1401 JFK Blvd
- Phone: (215) 686-8686
- Processing: 5 days online
Service Restrictions
- NO service: 9PM-7AM
- Center City: No new dumpsters
- Weekly: General waste
- Twice weekly: Garbage
Philadelphia Dumpster Rental Companies
Tri-State Waste & Recycling
Phone: 215-288-8797
Email: info@tswaste.com
Website: tswaste.com
Hours: 7am-5pm Mon-Sat
Service Areas: Philadelphia County & surrounding counties
Specialties: Family-owned, transparent pricing, personalized service
Hippo Philly Dumpster Rental
Phone: (215) 888-2203
Website: philadelphia.hippodumpsters.com
Container Sizes: 10, 15, 20-yard options
Service Areas: Philadelphia plus 30+ suburbs
Coverage: Ardmore, Conshohocken, Media, Chester, and more
Liberty Dumpster Rental Philadelphia
Website: philadelphia.libertydumpster.com
Features: Online ordering, no hidden fees
Service Areas: Philadelphia area
Specialties: Home renovations, construction, estate cleanouts
Hart Dumpster Rentals
Website: hartandsonwaste.com/philadelphia-pa/
Container Sizes: 10, 15, 20-yard options
Features: Fast delivery, fair pricing
Service Areas: Every zip code in Philadelphia
Specialties: Rowhomes, tight alley placement, city logistics
Accurate Recycling
Phone: 610-623-7772
Website: accuraterecycling.com/dumpster-rental-philadelphia/
Experience: 4 generations of service
Service Areas: Philadelphia region
Services: Same-day rental, flexible scheduling, permit guidance
Note: Contact companies directly for current pricing and availability. Ensure they understand Philadelphia's RFID medallion requirements.
Philadelphia Area Coverage
Center City/South
- Center City
- Rittenhouse Square
- Society Hill
- Queen Village
- Bella Vista
- South Philadelphia
- Passyunk
- Point Breeze
North Philadelphia
- Northern Liberties
- Fishtown
- Kensington
- Frankford
- Germantown
- Mount Airy
- Chestnut Hill
- Olney
West Philadelphia
- University City
- Powelton Village
- Mantua
- West Oak Lane
- Overbrook
- Wynnefield
- Cobbs Creek
- Southwest Philly
Northwest/Suburbs
- Manayunk
- Roxborough
- East Falls
- Fairmount
- Conshohocken
- Ardmore
- Media
- Chester
Also serving: Camden, NJ; Wilmington, DE; Montgomery County, Delaware County, Chester County, and all of Greater Philadelphia
Philadelphia License Type Details
Private Property License
Requirements:
- • Complete screening from public view
- • Opaque fencing or shrubbery
- • Enclosed sheds acceptable
Details:
- • $80-$150 one-time fee
- • Never expires
- • Best for businesses with lots
Public Right-of-Way License
Requirements:
- • Streets Department approval
- • Annual renewal required
- • No new in Center City zone
Details:
- • $200-$500 annually
- • Renewal every year
- • For street/sidewalk placement
Construction Fleet License
Requirements:
- • Covers entire fleet
- • RFID for all units
- • Multiple project coverage
Details:
- • $75 per 3 dumpsters
- • Fleet-wide coverage
- • Ideal for contractors
Philadelphia's Unique RFID Medallion System
RFID Medallion Transmits:
- • License number
- • Licensee contact information
- • Approved placement location
- • License expiration date
Replacement Costs:
- • Lost medallion: $75
- • Damaged medallion: $25
- • Operating without: Immediate fines
Philadelphia Market Considerations
Rowhouse Challenges
Philadelphia's iconic rowhouses often have narrow streets and no driveways. Many companies specialize in tight alley placement.
Historic Districts
Old City, Society Hill, and other historic areas have special restrictions. Center City zone prohibits new dumpster placements.
Time Restrictions
No servicing between 9PM-7AM citywide. City Avenue requires special permission for early/late service.
Complex Permit System
Philadelphia's three-tier licensing with RFID tracking is the most complex in the US. Budget time for compliance.
Winter Weather
Philadelphia winters bring snow and ice. Plan projects around weather and potential delivery delays.
Construction Boom
Ongoing development in Fishtown, Northern Liberties means high demand. Book early in popular renovation neighborhoods.
Philadelphia Service & Maintenance Requirements
Service Frequency
- ✓ General waste: Weekly minimum
- ✓ Garbage: Twice weekly minimum
- ✓ Compactors: Within 24 hours full
- ✓ Clean area regularly
- ✓ Sanitize every 6 months
Food Waste Rules
- ✓ No grindable food waste
- ✓ Restaurants use disposals
- ✓ Non-grindable must be bagged
- ✓ Cannot clean on streets
- ✓ Special restaurant requirements
Philadelphia Penalties & Enforcement
Violation Penalties
- • Code violations: Up to $300 per day plus court costs
- • Illegal dumping: Up to $5,000 per item
- • Missing medallion: Immediate fine
- • License revocation: Unpaid fines over $300 after 10 days
- • Enforcement: L&I coordinates with SWEEP
- • Processing: Through eCLIPSE with automatic escalation
Philadelphia Permit Contacts
Licenses & Inspections
1401 JFK Boulevard, Room 1160
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Phone: (215) 686-8686
Hours: M-F 8am-4:30pm
Streets Department
1401 JFK Boulevard, Room 830
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Phone: (215) 686-5560
Temporary permits: $40
Ready to Rent a Dumpster in Philadelphia?
Calculate the right size for your project or apply for permits online
Last updated: September 2025 | Verify current requirements with L&I Department