Dumpster Rental in Washington, DC
Complete guide to zone-based escalating fees, federal restrictions, and trusted DMV providers
📋 DC's Zone-Based Escalating Fee System
Washington DC uses escalating monthly fees that differ by zone. Surprisingly, residential zones ultimately cost MORE than commercial:
Commercial Zones
| Months 1-3: | $75/mo |
| Months 4-5: | $100/mo |
| Month 6+: | $150/mo |
Residential Zones
| Months 1-3: | $75/mo |
| Months 4-5: | $125/mo |
| Month 6+: | $200/mo |
* Plus $50 application fee. CBD adds Public Inconvenience Fee up to $2,250/month.
Quick DC Permit Facts
Permit Requirements
- Portal: tops.ddot.dc.gov
- Phone: (202) 442-4670
- Processing: 15 days construction
- Hours: Thu opens 9:30 AM
CBD Extra Fees
- After 30 days: PIF applies
- Rate: $0.040/sq ft daily
- Standard block: $2,250/mo
- Total possible: $3,000+/year
Washington DC Dumpster Rental Companies
Next Day Dumpsters
Website: nextdaydumpsters.com
Container Sizes: 15, 20, 30-yard options
Features: Next-day delivery, no hidden fees
Service Areas: DC, Maryland, Virginia
Specialties: Extended rental periods, transparent pricing
Sun Services
Website: sunrolloff.com
Experience: Nearly 30 years in DC
Features: Same-day service available
Service Areas: Washington DC metro
Specialties: Flat-price containers, recycling services
The Can DMV
Website: thecandmv.com
Container Size: 20-yard (60 trash bags capacity)
Features: 2.5 tons disposal included
Service Areas: DC, Maryland, Virginia (DMV)
Specialties: Next-day availability, local focus
Budget Dumpster DC
Website: budgetdumpster.com
Features: Online ordering, Service Dashboard
Requirements: 60 ft space, 23 ft vertical clearance
Service Areas: All DC neighborhoods
Specialties: Bundled pricing, Georgetown to Union Market
Dumpsters.com DC
Website: dumpsters.com
Pricing: $456-$959 typical range
Container Sizes: 10 to 40-yard options
Service Areas: District-wide coverage
Specialties: Upfront pricing, contractor services
WM Washington DC
Website: wm.com
Features: National company, local service
Container Sizes: Multiple sizes available
Service Areas: DC and surrounding areas
Specialties: Commercial and residential, recycling focus
Note: Contact companies directly for current pricing and availability. Verify they understand DC's zone-based escalating fee structure.
Washington DC Area Coverage
Northwest DC
- Georgetown
- Dupont Circle
- Foggy Bottom
- Cleveland Park
- Woodley Park
- Palisades
- Chevy Chase
- Tenleytown
Northeast DC
- Capitol Hill
- H Street
- NoMa
- Brookland
- Trinidad
- Ivy City
- Brentwood
- Eckington
Southeast DC
- Navy Yard
- Eastern Market
- Anacostia
- Congress Heights
- Washington Highlands
- Hillcrest
- Fairlawn
- Fort Dupont
Southwest DC
- The Wharf
- Southwest Waterfront
- Bellevue
- Buzzard Point
- Near Southeast
- Nationals Park area
- Audi Field area
- Fort McNair
Also serving: Arlington, Alexandria, Bethesda, Silver Spring, College Park, and all of the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) region
DC Permit Application Process
Determine Zone Type
Identify if placement is commercial or residential zone. Residential costs MORE long-term ($200/month after 6 months).
Choose Permit Type
Roll-off Debris Container for simple removal OR Construction Staging Area if building permits involved.
Apply Online at TOPS
Visit tops.ddot.dc.gov. Electronic submission mandatory since 2012. $50 application fee.
Wait 15 Days (Construction)
Construction permits take 15 days. Simple debris removal may be faster. Complex cases go to committee.
Monitor Escalating Fees
Rates increase after 3 months, then again at 6 months. CBD adds PIF after 30 days.
DC-Specific Requirements
Container Limits
- ✓ One parking space for small units
- ✓ Two spaces maximum for large
- ✓ Moving containers: 5 days max
- ✓ Moving trucks: 2 days max
- ✓ No extensions on moving permits
- ✓ Size impacts large projects
Unusual Schedule
- ✓ Mon-Wed, Fri: 8:15 AM - 4:15 PM
- ✓ Thursday: 9:30 AM - 4:15 PM
- ✓ Closes earlier than typical (4:45)
- ✓ Electronic kiosks available
- ✓ Phone: (202) 442-4670
- ✓ 1100 4th Street SW, 6th Floor
DC Market Considerations
Federal Property Proximity
Areas near federal buildings, monuments, and embassies have security restrictions. Secret Service may limit placement near protected sites.
Historic District Restrictions
Georgetown, Capitol Hill, and other historic areas have strict placement rules. May require screening or have time limitations.
Rowhouse Renovations
Many DC neighborhoods feature historic rowhouses with limited street access. Companies offer smaller containers for tight spaces.
Rapid Development Areas
Navy Yard, NoMa, and The Wharf seeing massive development. High demand requires early booking in these zones.
Traffic & Parking Challenges
Complex traffic patterns and limited parking make timing crucial. Avoid rush hours and street cleaning days.
Diplomatic Zones
Embassy Row and diplomatic areas have additional restrictions. State Department coordination may be required.
DC Permit Cost Examples
3-Month Residential Project
- • Application fee: $50
- • Monthly fees: 3 × $75 = $225
- • Total: $275
6-Month Residential Project
- • Application: $50
- • Months 1-3: $225
- • Months 4-5: $250
- • Month 6: $200
- • Total: $725
1-Year CBD Commercial + PIF
- • Application: $50
- • Permit fees: $1,475
- • PIF (11 months): ~$2,000
- • Total: $3,525+
DC Permit Contacts
District Department of Transportation (DDOT)
1100 4th Street SW, 6th Floor
Washington, DC 20024
Phone: (202) 442-4670
Portal: tops.ddot.dc.gov
Hours:
Mon-Wed, Fri: 8:15 AM - 4:15 PM
Thu: 9:30 AM - 4:15 PM
Public.SpaceCommittee@dc.gov
Electronic submission mandatory. Kiosks available for those without computers.
Ready to Rent a Dumpster in Washington DC?
Calculate the right size for your project or apply for permits online
Last updated: September 2025 | Verify current requirements with DDOT