Pennsylvania Dumpster Rental Licensing Guide

Guide to the Act 90 waste transportation safety authorization, hazardous waste license, and Philadelphia requirements for dumpster rental operators in Pennsylvania.

Last updated
2026-03-14
Applies to
Roll-off operatorsHaulersWaste brokers
Reading time
2 min read
Status
published

TL;DR

Pennsylvania requires Act 90 Waste Transportation Safety Authorization for all waste transport vehicles over 17,000 lbs GVW (trucks) or 10,000 lbs GVW (trailers). Fees: $100/truck, $50/truck tractor, $50/trailer, renewed annually. Philadelphia requires separate Dumpster Licenses with RFID medallions for each container.

What permits do I need to haul dumpsters in Pennsylvania?

Act 90 Waste Transportation Safety Authorization

Pennsylvania requires Act 90 authorization for all vehicles regularly used to transport municipal or residual waste: trucks over 17,000 lbs GVW and trailers over 10,000 lbs GVW. Fees are $100 per truck, $50 per truck tractor, and $50 per trailer. Stickers and cab cards are issued upon approval.

Hazardous waste transporter license

A separate license is required with a $500 new fee ($250 renewal) plus a minimum $10,000 collateral bond under 25 Pa. Code Chapter 263a.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia requires Dumpster Licenses through Licenses and Inspections. Each dumpster needs an RFID medallion. Public ROW dumpsters require pre-approval from the Department of Streets per Philadelphia Code §10-722.

Act 90 Waste Transportation Safety

62 Pa. C.S. Chapter 49

All vehicles regularly used to transport municipal or residual waste must be authorized under Act 90. This includes roll-off trucks, hook-lift trucks, and trailers meeting the weight thresholds.

What insurance do I need in Pennsylvania?

Coverage TypeMinimum Required
Commercial Auto Liability$750,000 CSL (FMCSA minimum)
Hazardous Waste Collateral Bond$10,000 minimum
Workers' CompensationRequired for all employers

Official References

ResourceAgencyType
PA DEP Act 90 Waste Transportation Safety ProgramPennsylvania DEPwebsite
PA DEP Hazardous Waste Transporter LicensePennsylvania DEPwebsite
Philadelphia Dumpster LicenseCity of Philadelphiawebsite

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