Regulations

Chicago Dumpster Permit Guide: $1M Insurance Required, Class A/B Sizes

Chicago operates the most sophisticated permit system among major cities, requiring $1 million insurance, $5,000 credit, and dividing containers into Class A (30 yards or less) and Class B (greater than 30 yards) categories.

January 15, 20257 min readCDOT Requirements

Chicago Dumpster Permit Quick Facts

Application Fee:$21.51 - $88.17
Usage Fee:$50 - $400
Insurance Required:$1 Million
Letter of Credit:$5,000
Duration:3 or 30 days
Max Penalty:$3,000

Class A vs Class B Container Classifications

Class A Containers

Size:30 cubic yards or less
Typical Uses:Residential, small commercial

Most common for home renovations, small construction projects, and office cleanouts.

Class B Containers

Size:Greater than 30 cubic yards
Typical Uses:Large commercial, industrial

Required for major construction projects, large commercial renovations, and industrial cleanouts.

Chicago Dumpster Permit Fee Structure

Application Fees by Location

Location TypeApplication Fee
Residential Streets$21.51
Arterial Streets$53.79
Central Business District$88.17

Usage Fees by Duration and Size

3-Day Permits

  • Class A: $50 - $150 depending on location
  • Class B: $100 - $200 depending on location

30-Day Permits

  • Class A: $200 - $300 depending on location
  • Class B: $300 - $400 depending on location

Insurance & Financial Requirements

Mandatory Requirements

  • $1 million commercial general liability insurance naming Chicago as additional insured
  • $5,000 irrevocable letter of credit
  • Valid business license
  • Registered waste hauler status

These requirements ensure financial responsibility and proper cleanup in case of accidents or violations. The letter of credit serves as a guarantee for potential cleanup costs or penalties.

Application Process

Online Only: All applications must be submitted through ipi.cityofchicago.org with account creation required.

Step 1: Account Setup

  • Create account at ipi.cityofchicago.org
  • Upload insurance documentation
  • Submit letter of credit
  • Verify business registration

Step 2: Permit Application

  • Select container class (A or B)
  • Choose duration (3-day or 30-day)
  • Specify exact placement location
  • Pay application and usage fees

Step 3: Approval & Compliance

  • Receive permit approval
  • Display permit prominently
  • Follow placement restrictions
  • Remove by deadline (no extensions)

Strict Placement Restrictions

Distance Requirements

  • 40 feet from bus stops
  • 20 feet from fire hydrants
  • 10 feet from disabled parking spaces
  • 10 feet from crosswalks

General Prohibitions

  • Blocking traffic flow
  • Obstructing emergency access
  • Interfering with utilities
  • Violating ADA compliance

Penalties and Enforcement

Escalating Penalty Structure

$250 - $3,000 depending on location and violation type

Each day counts as separate offense

Potential criminal prosecution for repeated violations

Container removal and impoundment possible

CDOT Contact Information

Email Support

CDOTPermitsupport@cityofchicago.org

Online Portal

ipi.cityofchicago.org

Important Notes

  • No extensions allowed
  • Account required before applying
  • Insurance must be current
  • Letter of credit irrevocable

Related Dumpster Guides