It's the question we get most often from Pittsburgh-area renters. The short answer: dumpsters placed on private property — your driveway, your yard, your job site — do not require a permit.
If the dumpster needs to sit on a public street, sidewalk, or right-of-way, then yes — you'll need a permit from your municipality. The City of Pittsburgh, McKeesport, Monongahela, Clairton, Duquesne, and most surrounding boroughs each have their own process.
Permits in the City of Pittsburgh are issued through the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI) and usually take a few business days. Smaller boroughs in the Mon Valley typically go through the local code office. Plan ahead either way.
When in doubt, default to your driveway. It's the easiest, fastest, and cheapest option for almost every residential project in our service area.