Do all Utah cities require permits for dumpster rentals?

Most Utah cities require permits for dumpsters placed on public property or right-of-way. Salt Lake City, West Valley City, Provo, Ogden, and Sandy all require permits. Some cities may not require permits for private property placement. Always check with your local building department to confirm requirements.

What materials are prohibited in dumpster rentals across Utah cities?

All Utah cities prohibit hazardous materials (paint, chemicals, batteries), electronics, medical waste, asbestos, tires, and liquids in standard dumpster rentals. Some cities have additional restrictions. Always check with your rental company and local regulations before disposing of questionable materials.

How much do dumpster permits cost in different Utah cities?

Dumpster permit costs vary by city: Salt Lake City ($25-50), West Valley City ($30), Provo ($25), Ogden ($35), Sandy ($30), and Tooele ($25-50). Costs may change, so always verify with your local building department.

Looking for guides waste disposal regulations by city? This page covers the essentials right away.

Waste Disposal Regulations by City: Complete Guide for Utah

Every Utah city has different rules for dumpster rentals. Here's what you need to know to avoid fines and delays.

I've been doing dumpster rentals across Utah for over a decade, and let me tell you—the regulations vary way more than most people realize. What works in Salt Lake City might not fly in Provo. What's fine in Ogden could get you a fine in Sandy.

I've seen customers get hit with violations because they didn't know their city required a permit. I've watched projects get delayed because someone assumed the rules were the same everywhere. And I've definitely had to turn around and drive back because a customer didn't have their permit ready.

This guide breaks down the waste disposal regulations for the major Utah cities we serve. I'm giving you the real, practical information you need—not some generic list that doesn't tell you what actually matters. By the time you're done reading, you'll know exactly what your city requires and how to avoid the common mistakes that cost people time and money.

Salt Lake City Regulations

Permit Information

Permit Required: Yes
Cost: $25-50
Contact: (801) 535-6000
Process: Apply online or in person at Building Services Division

Prohibited Materials

• Hazardous waste
• Electronics
• Medical waste
• Asbestos
• Tires
• Liquids

Placement Rules

Permit required for public property or right-of-way placement. Private driveway placement may not require permit.

Special Requirements

Must display permit on or near dumpster. Maximum 30-day rental period without extension.

Weight Limits

Standard weight limits apply. Heavy materials may require special handling.

Important Note: Salt Lake City has strict enforcement. Make sure you have your permit before delivery.

West Valley City Regulations

Permit Information

Permit Required: Yes
Cost: $30
Contact: (801) 963-3200
Process: Apply at Community Development Department

Prohibited Materials

• Hazardous waste
• Electronics
• Medical waste
• Asbestos
• Tires

Placement Rules

Permit required for public property placement. Private property may not require permit.

Special Requirements

Permit must be visible. Standard 14-day rental period included.

Weight Limits

Standard weight limits. Check with rental company for heavy materials.

Important Note: West Valley City processes permits quickly, usually within 1-2 business days.

Provo Regulations

Permit Information

Permit Required: Yes
Cost: $25
Contact: (801) 852-6400
Process: Apply at Building Department

Prohibited Materials

• Hazardous waste
• Electronics
• Medical waste
• Asbestos

Placement Rules

Permit required for public property or right-of-way placement.

Special Requirements

Keep permit visible. Standard rental periods apply.

Weight Limits

Standard limits. Heavy materials may incur additional fees.

Important Note: Provo has some of the lowest permit costs in Utah.

Ogden Regulations

Permit Information

Permit Required: Yes
Cost: $35
Contact: (801) 629-8200
Process: Apply at Community Development Department

Prohibited Materials

• Hazardous waste
• Electronics
• Medical waste
• Asbestos
• Tires

Placement Rules

Permit required for public property placement.

Special Requirements

Permit must be displayed. Standard rental terms apply.

Weight Limits

Standard weight limits. Heavy materials require notification.

Important Note: Ogden permits are slightly more expensive but process quickly.

Sandy Regulations

Permit Information

Permit Required: Yes
Cost: $30
Contact: (801) 568-7100
Process: Apply at Building Department

Prohibited Materials

• Hazardous waste
• Electronics
• Medical waste
• Asbestos

Placement Rules

Permit required for street or right-of-way placement.

Special Requirements

Display permit clearly. Standard rental periods.

Weight Limits

Standard limits apply.

Important Note: Sandy has straightforward permit requirements.

Tooele Regulations

Permit Information

Permit Required: Yes
Cost: $25-50
Contact: (435) 843-2120
Process: Apply at Building Department

Prohibited Materials

• Hazardous waste
• Electronics
• Medical waste
• Asbestos

Placement Rules

Permit required for public property or right-of-way.

Special Requirements

Standard permit display requirements.

Weight Limits

Standard weight limits.

Important Note: Tooele permit costs vary based on placement location.

Common Regulations Across All Utah Cities

While each city has its own specific rules, there are some regulations that apply pretty much everywhere in Utah. These are the ones you can count on, no matter which city you're in.

Universal Prohibited Materials

Every city in Utah prohibits these materials in standard dumpster rentals:

Hazardous waste: Paint, chemicals, batteries, fluorescent bulbs, pesticides
Electronics: TVs, computers, monitors, cell phones, appliances with refrigerants
Medical waste: Sharps, needles, medical equipment, pharmaceuticals
Asbestos: Any asbestos-containing materials require special permits and disposal
Tires: Most cities prohibit tires in standard dumpsters
Liquids: No liquid waste, food waste, or contaminated materials

The penalties for violating these rules can be steep—anywhere from $50 to $1,000 per incident, depending on the material and the city. It's just not worth the risk.

Standard Weight Limits

Most Utah cities follow similar weight limit guidelines:

15-yard dumpsters: 2-3 tons
20-yard dumpsters: 3-4 tons
30-yard dumpsters: 4-6 tons

Exceeding these limits typically results in $55 per ton overage charges. If you're dealing with heavy materials like concrete, dirt, or roofing shingles, you might hit the weight limit before you fill the dumpster. Always discuss this with your rental company upfront.

Permit Display Requirements

If your city requires a permit (and most do for public placement), you need to keep it visible on or near the dumpster. Some cities require it to be attached to the dumpster itself. Others are okay with it being posted nearby. When in doubt, attach it directly to the dumpster—you can't go wrong that way.

Tips for Navigating City Regulations

Call Your City Early

Don't wait until the day before you need the dumpster to call about permits. Most cities need 1-3 business days to process permit applications. Some can take longer during busy seasons. I always tell customers to call at least 3-5 days before they need the dumpster.

When you call, have this information ready: your address, where you're placing the dumpster (driveway vs. street), how long you'll need it, and what size dumpster you're getting. The city will need these details for the permit.

Ask About Private Property Placement

If you can place the dumpster entirely on your private property (like your driveway) and it won't block any public access, you might not need a permit. But don't assume—call and ask. It's a 5-minute phone call that can save you $25-$50 and a lot of paperwork.

Know Your Prohibited Materials

Before you start loading your dumpster, make sure you know what can't go in it. If you're not sure about something, call your rental company. It's free to ask, expensive to violate.

Common mistakes I see: people throw in old paint cans (hazardous waste), old TVs (electronics), or tires. All of these are prohibited and will result in extra fees or the dumpster being rejected at the disposal facility.

Keep Your Permit Visible

Once you get your permit, don't just stick it in a drawer. Keep it visible on or near the dumpster. Code enforcement officers do check, and if they can't see your permit, you could get a citation. I've seen it happen more than once.

Need Help Navigating Your City's Regulations?

I know this stuff can be confusing. Every city has different rules, and it's hard to keep track of what applies where. That's why we're here to help.

When you call us for a quote, we'll walk you through the permit requirements for your specific city. We'll help you figure out if you need a permit, how to get one, and what materials you can and can't put in the dumpster.

Get a Free Quote Call (801) 918-6000