The Application for a Private / Public Dumpster License, form L_039_F, is the City of Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) form for a new license to keep a dumpster on private property or in the public right-of-way. It collects the dumpster type and count, the locations, the owner/operator, the waste hauler and a signed declaration. On FillingPDF you can fill out the form online and download or print the completed PDF. The form states that it must be submitted in person and must not be mailed.
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What is L_039_F?
The Application for a Private / Public Dumpster License (form L_039_F, Rev 10.2025) is the form the City of Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) uses to license a new private or public dumpster, for placement on private property or in the right-of-way along a street or sidewalk.
The form has three parts plus a declaration. Part A records the license type (Private Dumpster or Public Dumpster), the volume of trash (less than 1 cubic yard, or 1 cubic yard or greater) with the number of trash and recycling dumpsters, the business address and dumpster locations, the owner/operator information with the Commercial Activity License number, and the waste hauler companies and type of material. Part B is a checklist of confirmations and supporting documentation. Part C lists the limits and conditions that apply to license holders, including the City-issued Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) medallion that must be attached to each dumpster. The form ends with a declaration signed by the owner or operator.
The form covers a NEW license only. The agency's dumpster documents page lists companion materials: a Dumpster license waste hauler form (a supplemental form to identify the waste hauler for new licenses), a Dumpster plot plan form, a Streets ROW Public Dumpster Form for Streets Department approval, and separate private and public dumpster license checklists.
Who needs to file L_039_F?
Anyone who wants to place a dumpster on private property or in the right-of-way (along a street or sidewalk) in Philadelphia needs a dumpster license from L&I, and this form is the application for a new one. The form has two license types:
- Private Dumpster: for a dumpster on private property. Part B adds a requirement for a site plan showing the location and any enclosures required by the Zoning and Building Codes.
- Public Dumpster: for a dumpster in the public right-of-way. Part B adds a requirement for proof of Streets Department approval and the Streets Review Approval Number.
The owner or operator completes and signs the form. If the legal entity is a "company," up to two corporate owners must be named, and the applicant lists every Pennsylvania corporation, including limited liability corporations, in which the applicant has any equity interest, whether directly or through a corporate structure such as a parent-subsidiary structure.
Do not use this form to renew or change an existing license. The form is for a new license, and license holders report changes in their license information to L&I by calling 311.
When to file L_039_F
Submit the form when you want a new license to place a private or public dumpster; the form is for a NEW Private or Public Dumpster License and prints no separate deadline. For a dumpster on a sidewalk or street, Part B calls for a copy of the Streets Department right-of-way (ROW) approval, so that approval must be in hand when you apply.
After the license is issued, a license holder must attach a City-issued RFID medallion to each dumpster and must immediately report any change in license information to L&I by calling 311. If a medallion is missing or inoperable, schedule an appointment with L&I to visit the Permit and License Center.
Documents you need
- Copy of the Streets Department ROW approval, required for any dumpster installation on a sidewalk or street.
- For a Private Dumpster: a site plan showing the dumpster location and any enclosures required by the Zoning and Building Codes.
- For a Public Right-of-Way Dumpster: proof of Streets Department approval, with the Streets Review Approval Number entered on the form.
- Commercial Activity License number for the owner/operator and, for each waste hauler company, its Phila. Commercial Activity License number, entered on Part A.
- Dumpster license waste hauler form, the supplemental form the agency lists for identifying the waste hauler on new dumpster licenses.
How to fill out L_039_F
Choose private or public dumpster
In Part A, check Private Dumpster or Public Dumpster. Use the column that matches the license you are requesting.
Enter volume and dumpster counts
Check Less than 1 cubic yard or 1 cubic yard or greater, then enter the # Trash dumpsters and # Recycling dumpsters in that row.
Give the business and dumpster locations
Under Location, enter the Business Address and the Location of Dumpster(s).
Enter owner/operator information
Enter the Owner/Operator's Name, Address, Email and Phone #, and the Commercial Activity License #.
List corporate owners and equity interests
Name all Pennsylvania corporations, including limited liability corporations, in which you have any equity interest, with the owner's title, home address and city/state/zip. If the entity is a company, name up to two corporate owners.
Identify waste hauler companies
Check the Type of material: Waste, Recycling or Both. Enter Company Name #1 with address, email, phone and Phila. Commercial Activity License #, and add Company Name #2 if more than one company hauls.
Confirm Part B items
Check Yes for current City taxes, charges and fees, and for the posted Waste and Recycling Plan registered with the Department of Streets.
Complete the license-type requirements
For a private dumpster, check Yes that a site plan is provided. For a public right-of-way dumpster, check Yes for proof of Streets Department approval and enter the Streets Review Approval Number.
Review the limits and conditions
Read Part C, which covers the RFID medallion, reporting changes by calling 311, dumpster condition and cleaning, and the ban on servicing between 9:00 pm and 7:00 am.
Sign, date and download the PDF
The owner or operator signs and dates the declaration. Check every entry, then download or print the completed PDF from FillingPDF and bring it in person as described under How to submit.
How to submit L_039_F
You can apply online or take the application in person to the Permit and License Center in the MSB Concourse. The form is explicit: do not mail this application. It must be submitted in person, and the L&I dumpster documents page repeats "Do not mail applications."
- In person: take the completed, signed application, with the Part B supporting documents that apply to your license type, to the Permit and License Center in the MSB Concourse.
- Online: the L&I dumpster documents page at https://www.phila.gov/documents/dumpster-license-documents/ says dumpster licenses can be applied for online.
- Streets ROW approval: for a dumpster in the right-of-way, contact the Streets ROW unit at [email protected] or call 215-686-5500.
The form does not state a fee; ask L&I if you need to know whether charges apply. FillingPDF lets you fill out and download the PDF; submission follows the channels above.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Mailing the application. The form says in capital letters not to mail it and requires in-person submission.
- Using the form for something other than a NEW Private or Public Dumpster License, such as a change to an existing license.
- Leaving out the Streets Department ROW approval for a dumpster on a sidewalk or street.
- Omitting the site plan for a Private Dumpster, or the Streets Review Approval Number for a Public Right-of-Way Dumpster.
- Naming more than two corporate owners, or leaving out Pennsylvania corporations in which the applicant holds an equity interest, direct or through a corporate structure.
- Leaving blank the number of trash and recycling dumpsters under the volume box, or ticking a volume box without a count.
- Signing without confirming that City taxes, charges and fees are current and that a Waste and Recycling Plan registered with the Department of Streets is posted.
- Submitting the form without the owner's or operator's signature and date, given the false-statement warning in the declaration.
Frequently asked questions
Can I mail the Philadelphia dumpster license application?
No. The form says in capital letters not to mail it and that it must be submitted in person, and the L&I documents page repeats that applications must not be mailed. You can also apply online or at the Permit and License Center in the MSB Concourse.
Who needs a dumpster license in Philadelphia?
Anyone placing a dumpster on private property or in the right-of-way, along a street or sidewalk, needs a dumpster license from the Department of Licenses and Inspections. Form L_039_F applies for a new Private or Public Dumpster License.
What is the difference between a private and a public dumpster license?
A private dumpster is on private property and needs a site plan showing its location and any required enclosures. A public dumpster is in the right-of-way and needs proof of Streets Department approval and a Streets Review Approval Number.
What do I need for a dumpster in the right-of-way?
A copy of the Streets Department ROW approval is required for any installation on a sidewalk or street. For questions, contact the Streets ROW unit at [email protected] or 215-686-5500.
Is the dumpster license form used to renew a license?
No. The form is for a NEW Private or Public Dumpster License. License holders must report changes to their license information to L&I immediately by calling 311.
What is the dumpster RFID medallion?
It is a City-issued Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) medallion that license holders must attach to each dumpster. If one is missing or inoperable, schedule an appointment with L&I at the Permit and License Center.
Can I fill out the dumpster license application online on FillingPDF?
Yes. You can fill out the PDF online on FillingPDF and download or print it. FillingPDF is independent of the City of Philadelphia and does not submit the application; you apply through L&I's channels.
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