Combustible Waste Storage (Dumpster)

SWM1001
Plan Review
Not Required
Inspection
Required
Renewal
Required
Fee
$152.58 to $732.43 (see Conditions & Exceptions)
Admin fee
$30.51
Plan review fee
1 YEAR OPTION
Renewal fee
$152.58 to $732.43 (see Conditions & Exceptions)
Valid Period
1 to 3 years
Processing Time
Up to 5 business days
APPLY & INSPECTIONS QUESTIONS
Solid Waste Management Department

Physical Address:

611 Walker St.,12th Floor
Houston, TX 77002

Mailing address:

PO Box 1562
Houston, TX 77251

8 am to 5 pm

About

All businesses, apartment complexes, strip centers, and other commercial properties with dumpsters or roll-off containers exceeding 50 cubic feet must have a Combustible Waste Storage (Dumpster) permit. Commercial dumpsters of any size that will be on-premise for more than 60 days also require a permit.

Permit is non-transferable from owner to owner.

After Approval

Permit must be kept on premises and readily available for inspection by the code inspector. Annual non-scheduled/unannounced inspections may be conducted.

Renewal invoices are sent 30-45 days prior to expiration date.

The fine for failure to obtain a permit or having an expired permit ranges from $750 to $2,000.

Conditions & Exceptions

Fees

Permits can be obtained in 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year renewable increments:

One-year permit cost:

  • 1 Dumpster: $160.82 + $32.16 (Admin. Fee) = $192.98
  • 2+ Dumpsters: $257.32+ $32.16 (Admin. Fee) =$289.48

Two-year permit cost:

  • 1 Dumpster: $321.64 + $32.16 (Admin. Fee) = $353.80
  • 2 or more dumpsters: $514.64 + $32.16 (Admin. Fee) = $546.80

Three-year permit cost:

  • 1 Dumpster: $482.46 + $32.16 (Admin. Fee) = $514.62
  • 2 or more dumpsters: $771.96 + $32.16 (Admin. Fee) = $804.12

Fees increase annually based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

 

Exception

Compactors are exempt from obtaining a Combustible Waste Storage (dumpster) permit.

Statutory Authority
What You Need
  • Combustible Waste Storage Permit application: English or Spanish
    • Mailing address of applicant: name of business, street name or PO Box, city, state, and zip code 
    • Name of person responsible as it should appear on the permit;
    • Service address of applicant: Permit Address, City/Zip, Business Phone.
  • Deed Restriction and Law Compliance Affidavit: English or Spanish
  • Method of payment: 

Apply in Person

Bring the completed application and payment to:
611 Walker, 12th Floor
Houston, TX 77002

Upon arrival, please contact Dumpster permitting group at 832-393-0459.

Apply by Mail

Mail the original application, notarized affidavit and payment (Make checks payable to: City of Houston. If paying by credit card, please include the credit card information) to:
Solid Waste Management Department 
Permit Section 
PO Box 1562
Houston, TX 77251

Apply by Email

Fax completed application and credit card information to: 713-837-9159.

Conditions & Exceptions

Deed restriction affidavit and application is required for new businesses, change of ownership, and change of zip code.

What You Need
  1. Once a dumpster is obtained, an inspection is required.
  2. After inspection is completed, application and affidavit will be left for processing. Note: All new/first-time applicants must schedule an inspection prior to application.
  3. Payment can be submitted at that time or an appointment can be scheduled for payment pick-up.
Schedule by Phone

To schedule an inspection, call 832-393-7895. Customer will be notified the day of inspection as to timeslot of inspection.

Conditions & Exceptions

To request an inspection via email: [email protected]

Annual non-scheduled/unannounced inspections may be conducted.

Renewal invoices are sent 30-45 days prior to expiration date.

A fine for failure to obtain a permit or having an expired permit ranges from $750 to $2,000.

What You Need
  • Renewal invoice (mailed 30 to 45 days prior to the expiration date) 
  • Method of payment

It is the responsibility of the owner/operator to contact the Solid Waste Department prior to expiration date if an invoice is not received.

Renew in Person

Bring the completed renewal form and payment to: 
611 Walker, 12th Floor
Houston, TX 77002

Upon arrival, please contact Dumpster permitting group at 832-393-0459.

Renew by Mail
  1. Mail the completed renewal form or application along with payment to:
    City of Houston- Solid Waste Management Department
    Permit Section
    PO Box 1562
    Houston, TX 77251
    If paying by credit card, please include the credit card information. Renewal form or application MUST be signed by the person responsible.
  2. Once payment is processed a permit will be mailed to the address on file.
Conditions & Exceptions

Any outstanding balances must be paid prior to or concurrent with permit to be renewed. A zero due balance is required to generate the invoice.

What You Need
  • Renewal invoice (mailed 30 to 45 days prior to the expiration date) 
  • Method of payment

It is the responsibility of the owner/operator to contact the Solid Waste Department prior to expiration date if an invoice is not received.

Renew in Person

Bring the completed renewal form and payment to: 
611 Walker, 12th Floor
Houston, TX 77002

Upon arrival, please contact Dumpster permitting group at 832-393-0459.

Renew by Mail
  1. Mail the completed renewal form or application along with payment to:
    City of Houston- Solid Waste Management Department
    Permit Section
    PO Box 1562
    Houston, TX 77251
    If paying by credit card, please include the credit card information. Renewal form or application MUST be signed by the person responsible.
  2. Once payment is processed a permit will be mailed to the address on file.
Conditions & Exceptions

Any outstanding balances must be paid prior to or concurrent with permit to be renewed. A zero due balance is required to generate the invoice.