Install a garbage container

Last updated August 22, 2024

Do you want to install a garbage container on private or public property? Whether it’s for a business or an apartment building, certain rules must be respected. Here’s what you need to know.

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A permit is not required to install a garbage container on private commercial or residential property.



However, you must follow these rules: 

  • The container must be installed only in yards located on the side or rear of the building
  • If the property is bordered by more than one street, the garbage container may be installed in the front yard, at least 5 m from the right-of-way of the public road and no main entrance can be located next to it
  • If the lot is located at the intersection of two streets, the garbage container cannot be installed on the common area of the two front yards (at the corner).

The public road right-of-way is the space between the property line and:

  • The sidewalk
  • If there is no sidewalk, the edge of the pavement or roadway.

Renseignements

By phone

311

Outside of Montréal: 514-872-0311

Monday to Friday: From 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Legislation

A permit is not required to install a garbage container on private commercial or residential property.



However, you must follow these rules: 

  • The container must be installed only in yards located on the side or rear of the building
  • The container must be screened from view from the street and from neighbouring properties
  • The screen must be in keeping with the exterior design of the property.

Information

By phone

311

Outside of Montréal: 514-872-0311

Monday to Friday: From 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Legislation

No permit is required to install a dumpster on private property, whether it is commercial or residential.

However, you need a permit to install a construction dumpster on public property.

Information coming soon.

A permit is not required to install a garbage container on private property.

Information

By phone

311

Outside of Montréal: 514-872-0311

Monday to Friday: From 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Legislation

A permit is required to install a garbage or food waste container (e.g., for restaurants) on public property.

  • Annual permits are valid from October 1 to September 30.
  • If you apply after November 1, there is a monthly fee.



The container must be closed at all times with a tight-fitting lid.

Permit fees

Taxes are not included in the posted fees.

Type of container covered by the permit

Annual amount:

Monthly amount:

Metal container:

$710.50

$59.25

660 L plastic wheeled bin:

$432

$36.75

360 L plastic wheeled bin:

$254.25

$21.75

To request a permit

Legislation

Information coming soon.

Information coming soon.

No permit is required to install a garbage container on private property.

However, the container must:

  • Be installed in the building’s side or back yards
  • Be no higher than two metres
  • Show no signs of poor upkeep, breakage or graffitti 
  • Not produce unpleasant odours that could disturb the neighbours

Information

By phone

311

Outside of Montréal: 514-872-0311

Monday to Friday: From 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Legislation

Information coming soon.

Information coming soon.

No permit is required to install a garbage container on private property. Installing a garbage container is only permitted on public property if it is impossible to do so on private property. A permit is required.

Requirements

  • The container must be in good condition, leak proof and fireproof.
  • The container lid must be kept closed.
  • The address of the business using the container and the permit to use it must be visible on the container.
  • The container must be locked at all times.

Restaurants

Merchants who dispose of used cooking oil and grease must do so in a metal container that is watertight and stable and locked at all times. Nothing should leak onto public property, under or around the container.

Information

13665 Boulevard de Pierrefonds
Montréal, QC H9A 2Z4

Information coming soon.

Information coming soon.

You do not need to get a permit to install a dumpster on private, commercial or residential property.

Rules to follow

  • Boxes for household waste, dumpsters and compactors must not be visible from public property. 
  • Boxes for household waste, dumpsters and compactors must be located at least 7.63 meters away from balconies, windows and property lines.
  • For industrial, commercial or institutional establishments that border a residential area, the minimum distance is 15 meters.

A permit is not required to install a garbage container on private commercial or residential property.

However, you must follow these rules: 

  • The container must be installed only in yards located on the side or rear of the building
  • The container must be hidden by an opaque screen that is at least 1.8 m high
  • The screen must be in keeping with the exterior design of the property

Information request

8400 Boulevard Lacordaire
Montréal, QC H1R 3B1

A permit is not required to install a waste container on private or commercial property.

The container can be placed outside the building, but not in the front yard, under the following conditions:

  • Installed on a concrete or asphalt base
  • Placed more than 45 cm from the sidewalk

Semi-underground containers are authorized in all yards, under the following conditions: 

  • Front loading
  • Border made from paving stones or concrete, with a minimum width of one metre
  • Evergreen hedges on the edge of the border, on all sides, except the side used to access the containing for loading purposes

Communication channels

4555 Rue de Verdun
Suite 109
Montréal, QC H4G 1M4

Install a garbage container on public property

Installing a garbage container is only permitted on public property if it is impossible to do so on private property. A permit is required.

The permit is valid for one year, from 1 May to 30 April of the following year. Applications or renewals for this permit must be submitted by March 31 each year.

Install a garbage container on private property

No permit is required to install a garbage container on private property. 

Requirements

  • The container must be in good condition, leak proof and fireproof.
  • The container lid must be kept closed.
  • The address of the business using the container and the permit to use it must be visible on the container.
  • The container must be locked at all times.

Number of containers permitted

  • Maximum of six 360-litre black or gray plastic rolling bins.
  • Maximum of three 660-litre black or gray plastic rolling bins.
  • Maximum of four metal containers with a maximum capacity of 2m3, including a maximum of three for household waste. The additional container may be used only to dispose of recoverable materials.

Restaurants

Merchants who dispose of used cooking oil and grease must do so in a metal container that is watertight and stable and locked at all times. Nothing should leak onto public property, under or around the container.

Make a Request

  • Complete sections 1 to 3 of the application for authorization.
  • An inspector from the borough will go meet with you. 
  • The permit is valid for one year, starting on May 1.

Communication channels

Legislation

Information coming soon.