Chicago, Illinois
Chicago spells out its dumpster rules in detail, down to where the phone number goes on the box. The provider pulls the permit, and alley drops cost the same as the curb. Here is the CDOT application in plain terms.
City rules are from October 2026, from CDOT: Application for permit for dumpster(s) occupying the public way and 6 other sources. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the city before you place a can in the street.
The permit lists alley, curb lane, parkway, and sidewalk at the same fee, and the box has to sit right next to the permitted address. In a city of alleys, the driver needs to know which one. Set the can on the satellite map at its real size, mark the door side, and check Street View for garages and poles.
Chicago's C&D ordinance has required at least 50% recycling or reuse since 2007. The contractor files a compliance form with an affidavit from the hauler or recycler, and the city can hold permits or the certificate of occupancy until then. Keep each load's ticket number, net tons, destination, and photo on the project. Suburban and unincorporated Cook County demolitions face a 70% target.
The permit says to remove graffiti within 3 business days of notice, keep the box free of holes, and tarp it in transit. Drivers can report an issue with a photo from the stop, so the office sees a tagged can before the city does.
The rules don't change because you have software. Keeping track of them does.
Log the permit number, who issued it, and the start and end dates on the project. If the permit ends before the scheduled pickup, the project tells you before the city does.
Place the can on the satellite map at its real size, mark the door side, and add access notes. The driver sees the same thing on their next stop.
Yes, if it sits on the public way: street, alley, parkway, or sidewalk. The dumpster provider gets the permit from CDOT online. A Class A box outside the CBD costs $50 for 1 to 3 days or $100 a month. No CDOT dumpster permit is needed on private property, but other permits may apply.
The provider's name and phone number in letters at least 3 in tall, on both long sides. Each corner also needs retro-reflective sheeting at least 3 ft long and 2 in wide.
A private scavenger business license, a $5,000 irrevocable letter of credit, and $1,000,000 in insurance with the City as an additional insured. CDOT publishes a list of licensed dumpster providers.
Each drop gets a satellite placement map with the real dumpster footprint, the door side, and Street View. The driver sees it on the phone with the access notes. Permit dates and dump tickets sit on the project on Pro and Elite.
Last checked October 2026. See a rule that changed? Tell us at support@dumptracker.com.
Bring a real week: the addresses, the cans, the drivers. We'll set it up on a call and you'll see your day plan before we hang up.
