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Important Note: Please keep in mind that the mixed construction and demolition debris (mixed C&D debris) transporter permits issued by the San Francisco Department of the Environment pertain to the transport of mixed C&D debris only. A separate permit issued by Public Works is required to place a debris box within the public right of way fronting a specific property.

  If you are seeking a permit to occupy space within the public right of way for a previously registered debris box, please visit our Temporary Occupancy webpage (recommended for short term occupancy of only a few days) or Street Space webpage (recommended for longer term occupancy related to construction work) for additional details on how to obtain your permit.


 

WHAT IS A DEBRIS BOX?

A debris box (sometimes called a dumpster or roll-off bin) is a large portable container for construction and demolition waste. A debris box company delivers it to the job site, and once it's full, hauls it through city streets to be disposed of.
 

MIXED C&D DEBRIS BOX PERMIT INFORMATION

Any debris box company that transports mixed construction and demolition debris (mixed C&D debris) generated in San Francisco must obtain an annual or temporary 7-day permit from the San Francisco Environment Department for each debris box used to transport mixed C&D debris (Ordinance No. 144-21). Mixed C&D permits must be obtained for any debris box that is used to transport mixed C&D debris generated in San Francisco, regardless of whether the debris box will be placed on private property or within the Public Rights of Way. 

To apply for either an annual mixed C&D permit or temporary 7-day mixed C&D debris permit, please submit a completed C&D debris permit application through the online portal. For additional information about the new mixed C&D debris permit requirement for debris boxes, please refer to the Environment Department’s website, email DebrisRecovery@sfgov.org or call 415-355-3799.

 

RULES AND REGULATIONS

  • Sidewalk placement requires approval. You can't place a debris box on the sidewalk without permission from Public Works.
  • Reflectors are required on both ends. Each box needs four red reflectors, each at least 3 inches in diameter: two on each end, one near each side edge. Reflectors must be mounted between 24 and 45 inches above the ground.
  • Both ends must be striped. Paint each end completely in alternating diagonal stripes 4 inches wide, in colors approved by Public Works.
  • Boxes must be labeled. Print the owner's name, address, phone number, and debris box ID number clearly on both sides of each box.
  • Full boxes must be removed within 2 business days.
     

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

  1. Follow traffic and parking rules. Debris boxes can't be placed in tow-away zones or blue (accessible) parking zones, or block curb ramps, bus stops, or fire hydrants. If your placement can't meet the SFMTA Blue Book requirements, you'll need a Special Traffic Permit from SFMTA.
  2. Registered companies must follow City law. Once a debris box company registers with the San Francisco Environment Department and Public Works, the company and all its agents must comply with the Environment Code, Public Works Code and all other applicable laws.
  3. The property owner needs a Street Space Permit. Apply for a Street Space Permit at least 10 business days before you need the space, and post "No Parking" signs at least 72 hours before the box is placed.
     

VIOLATIONS

Failure to comply with the rules and regulations are deemed as violations and may be subject to the issuance of Notice of Violations and associated penalties. A Notice of Violation shall be issued for the following:

  1. Placement of debris box in restricted traffic street zones.
  2. Placement of debris box on sidewalk area without special permits.
  3. No permit, registration number or other required information on the debris box.
  4. Failure to remove full debris box within (2) business days.
  5. Damaged or missing reflectors or safety stripings.

Public Works can remove any debris box placed in the public right-of-way that doesn't meet these requirements. In most cases, Public Works will give notice of the violation at least 48 hours before removing the box. The Director of Public Works can order immediate removal if a box is a safety hazard or public nuisance, or during an emergency. The debris box owner is responsible for all removal costs.
 

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For more information or clarification on any of the permit requirements, please contact us at:
San Francisco Public Works • Permits
49 South Van Ness Avenue, Suite 300 • San Francisco, CA 94103 
Email: PublicWorksPermits@sfdpw.org Phone: (628) 271-2000

San Francisco Public Works • Permit Center 
49 South Van Ness Avenue, Suite 200 • San Francisco, CA 94103 • Map

Processing Hours:
• Please visit https://sf.gov/location/permit-center for operating hours of the Permit Center. 
• Closed on official holidays