Service overview
Permanent placement of garbage bins on private property or public roads (street or sidewalk) requires obtaining a license.
One license covers all bins on the premises, but each bin has a separate fee.
The Licensing and Inspection Department (L&I) issues these licenses.
prohibited area
In certain places and under certain conditions, the use of trash cans on sidewalks or streets is prohibited.
- Center City areas (between Bainbridge Street, Spring Garden Street, Delaware River, and Schuylkill River) that did not have a licensed public landfill prior to September 2016.
- CA-2 (Automotive Oriented Commercial) Zoning Area. You can find Zoning Districts using Atlas.
- Places determined by the Road Authority to obstruct pedestrian or vehicle traffic.
temporary storage
Temporary placement of construction bins on public right-of-way, such as along roads or sidewalks, requires permission from the Department of Roads. Call the Department’s Permits Unit at (215) 686-5500 to obtain a temporary construction waste collection permit.
Who
Business owners and their representatives can apply for this license.
requirements
Other licenses and registrations
application
For trash on private property, include:
- A site plan showing the location and required enclosures. (All outdoor trash cans must be surrounded by zoning and building code compliant opaque fences, bush fences, or enclosed sheds.)
For street waste bins, this includes:
- Describe alternative waste storage plans and the need for public waste bins.
- A site plan showing the size, location, and width of sidewalks and roads.
Other permissions
- Trash enclosures over 4 feet in height may require separate building and zoning permits.
- Enclosures are subject to the same permit requirements as other fences.
RFID medallion
Each bin must have an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) medallion attached. L&I will give you a medallion when you get your license.
Medallion transmits:
- License number.
- Licensee’s name and phone number.
- Approved location for trash.
Any changes to this information must be reported to the Licensing Unit immediately by calling 311 or (215) 686-8686. Failure to report changes may result in fines or other penalties.
Lost or damaged medallions can be replaced at the Permit and License Center. Please bring the damaged medallion with you.
Waste/recycling plan
All businesses should implement a waste and recycling plan. This plan must be registered with the Highways Authority, posted at the company and distributed to all employees or tenants. You can submit your plans to the Highways Department using an online form. Learn more about waste and recycling plan requirements.
Required pre-approval
where and when
price
Private (lifetime license)
- Garbage bins less than 1 cubic yard: $80
- Garbage bins larger than 1 cubic yard: $150
- Recycling bins of less than 1 cubic yard: $40
- Recycling bins larger than 1 cubic yard: $75
Public (annual license)
- Garbage bins less than 1 cubic yard: $200
- Garbage bins larger than 1 cubic yard: $500
- Recycling bins of less than 1 cubic yard: $100
- Recycling bins larger than 1 cubic yard: $250
If you renew your license more than 60 days after the expiration date, you will be charged 1.5% of the license fee for each month after the license expires.
Damaged medallion fee
$25
Lost or stolen medallion fees
$75
Payment methods and details
Available payment methods
| Where | payment accepted |
|---|---|
| ONLINE VIA THE eCLIPSE APP
(Online payments are capped at $200,000.) |
|
| Come directly to the Permit Center in the City Hall Building |
|
| Directly at the Cashier’s Station in the City Hall Building
(Items paid for at the cashier’s station will be mailed within 5 business days.) |
|
checks and money orders
Check requirements
- All checks and money orders must be paid to “City of Philadelphia”.
- The individual or company on the check must be on the application.
- Personal checks are accepted.
- Checks and money orders must be issued within 12 months of the transaction.
Reasons for check rejection
L&I will not accept checks that are missing depository information or that:
- No signature.
- Expired.
- Afterthought.
- Starters check without account information.
Returned payment policy
If a check is returned unpaid due to insufficient funds or non-collection:
- There is a $20 fee for collection.
- You authorize the City of Philadelphia, or its agents, to make a one-time electronic funds transfer from your account and collect this fee directly.
- The City of Philadelphia or its agents may electronically resubmit checks to depository institutions for payment.
- If the City is unable to obtain payment, the application for a license, permit, or appeal will be void.
- No further actions can be taken under the permit until all fees have been paid.
- If the outstanding fees are not paid within 30 days, the permit or license will be revoked.
- No additional permits may be applied for or obtained until the outstanding debts are settled.
Delay in license payment
If you renew your license more than 60 days after the expiration date, you will be charged 1.5% of the license fee for each month after the license expires.
How
This license can be applied for online using eCLIPSE or directly at the Permits and Licenses Center.
1
Upload all required documents.
For right-of-way trash bins, the application will be forwarded to the Highways Department for approval.
Applications will be reviewed within 5 business days.
2
Once your application is approved, you will be notified to pay the remaining balance.
If your application is not approved, you will receive an email stating what is missing or required.
1
Visit the Permits and License Center.
Please bring all necessary documents.
For right-of-way trash bins, the application will be forwarded to the Highways Department for approval.
2
L&I will issue a license or request more information.
update requirements
Public garbage collector licenses must be renewed annually. Not in the Private Trash License.
- Renew online through eCLIPSE or directly in the Permit and License Center.
What you need to update:
- Must be up to date on all taxes for the City of Philadelphia
- Valid Email Address
