Acton Dumpster Rental Services

Acton Right-of-Way Permit Requirements for Dumpster Placement on Public Streets

Placing a dumpster on a public street in Acton requires a right-of-way permit issued by the Department of Public Works. The application process typically takes 3-7 business days, and fees range from $50 to $200 depending on location and duration. Permits are mandatory for street, alley, or metered parking placements, with a maximum rental duration of 7-14 days. Prohibited locations include fire lanes, no-parking zones, and streets narrower than 12 feet. Insurance documentation may be required, and parking meter suspension incurs additional fees. Residents should submit permit applications in advance and confirm all placement restrictions before scheduling delivery.

• Permit required for all public street placements
• Application processing: 3-7 business days
• Fees: $50-$200 (plus meter fees if applicable)
• Maximum duration: 7-14 days (renewal may be possible)
• Prohibited: fire lanes, narrow streets, no-parking zones

Acton Department of Public Works provides permit forms and guidance.

Department of Public Works
472 Main Street, Acton, MA 01720
Phone: (978) 929-7740
Official Website: Department of Public Works

Acton Dumpster Permit Quick Reference

Note: Contact the Department of Public Works for current requirements.

Choosing the Right Dumpster Size for Your Acton Project: 10 to 40 Yard Guide

Selecting the correct dumpster size is essential for compliance and cost control in Acton. Container sizes range from 10 to 40 yards, with weight limits from 2 to 8 tons. Overfilling or exceeding weight limits may result in overage fees of $50-$100 per ton. For heavy materials like concrete or dirt, smaller dumpsters (10-15 yard) are recommended to avoid surpassing weight restrictions. Project type, debris volume, and site access should all be considered when choosing a container.

• 10 Yard: Small cleanouts, bathroom remodels (2-3 tons)
• 15 Yard: Deck removal, flooring replacement (2-3 tons)
• 20 Yard: Roof replacement, large cleanouts (2-4 tons)
• 30 Yard: Home additions, multi-room demolition (3-5 tons)
• 40 Yard: New construction, commercial projects (5-8 tons)

Overage fees apply for exceeding weight limits. For detailed guidance, consult the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection for state waste regulations.

Dumpster Size Comparison for Acton Projects

Acton Dumpster Placement Guidelines: Clearance, Surface & Access Requirements

Proper dumpster placement in Acton is governed by clearance, surface, and access standards to ensure safety and regulatory compliance. Delivery trucks require a minimum 23-foot overhead clearance and a 10-12 foot wide access path. The approach should be at least 60 feet straight for safe container positioning. Dumpsters must be placed on hard, level surfaces—preferably concrete or asphalt—with plywood boards (minimum ¾") recommended for driveway protection. Placement must not block fire hydrants, mailboxes, or utility access, and a minimum 5-foot setback from structures is required. HOA or historic district approval may be necessary for private property placements.

• Overhead clearance: 23+ feet (check wires, branches)
• Access width: 10-12 feet minimum
• Surface: Hard, level (avoid grass/soft ground)
• Fire code: 5-foot minimum from buildings
• HOA/historic district: Approval may be required

For placement questions, contact the Acton Building Department.

Building Department
472 Main Street, Acton, MA 01720
Phone: (978) 929-6633
Official Website: Building Department

Pre-Delivery Placement Checklist for Acton

• Overhead clearance: 23 feet minimum
• Access width: 10-12 feet
• Approach length: 60+ feet
• Surface: Hard, level, protected
• Permits: Secured if on public street
• HOA approval: If required
• Fire code: 5-foot setback
• Utility clearances: No obstructions

Acton Prohibited Items List: What You Cannot Put in a Rental Dumpster

Acton enforces strict regulations on materials accepted in rental dumpsters, in accordance with state landfill bans and local ordinances. Prohibited items include hazardous waste (paints, solvents, pesticides), electronics (CRT TVs, monitors), mattresses, tires, and appliances containing refrigerants. Yard waste and organics are also banned from landfill disposal in Massachusetts. Violations may result in contamination fees ($100-$500), refusal of pickup, or code enforcement penalties. Residents must separate recyclable materials and ensure all prohibited items are removed before collection. For hazardous waste, use the Acton Transfer Station or designated state facilities.

• Hazardous waste: Paint, chemicals, oil, asbestos, lead
• Electronics: CRTs, monitors, TVs (landfill ban)
• Mattresses, box springs: Not accepted in dumpsters
• Tires, batteries, propane tanks: Prohibited
• Appliances with refrigerants: Must be certified refrigerant-free

For a full list of banned items, see How & Where to Recycle or Dispose of Waste from MassDEP.

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
One Winter Street, Boston, MA 02108
Phone: (617) 292-5500
Official Website: Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Acton, MA?

• West Acton Village: Characterized by historic homes and narrow streets, this area often requires smaller dumpsters (10-15 yard) and advance right-of-way permits for street placement. Overhead tree canopy and limited driveway space may affect delivery logistics.
• South Acton: Featuring a mix of multi-family residences and older single-family homes, South Acton may require coordination with building managers for parking lot placement and tenant notification. Service elevator access is limited in some complexes.
• North Acton: Newer developments with wide driveways and cul-de-sacs allow for easy delivery of larger containers (20-40 yard). HOA approval is often required, and driveway protection is recommended for asphalt surfaces.
• East Acton: Suburban neighborhoods with moderate street width and mature landscaping. Overhead clearance for delivery trucks is a common concern, and placement must avoid blocking mailboxes or fire hydrants.
• Kelley’s Corner: Commercial and mixed-use district with loading dock access and business hour restrictions. Coordination with property management is essential for dumpster enclosure and ADA compliance.
• Acton Center: Historic district with strict placement rules and aesthetic guidelines. Permits may take longer to process, and screening or setback requirements are enforced by local code.
• Indian Village: Residential area with longer driveways and soft ground conditions. Site assessment is recommended to avoid damage to lawns or underground utilities; 15-20 yard dumpsters are most common for household cleanouts.