A dumpster on private property, like your driveway or a private lot, doesn't need a City permit. If the container will sit in a street, an alley, or across a sidewalk, you'll need a Right of Way Permit first.
Inside the city limits, the permit comes from the Engineering Permitting Right of Way Section, part of Build Mobile. The office is on the third floor of the South Tower at Government Plaza, 205 Government Street. The counter is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call 251-208-5895 with questions. The City charges a base fee, with more added depending on the work, and it doesn't publish a review time.
Outside the city limits, Mobile County Engineering handles right-of-way permits through an online portal. Its office at 7511 Howells Ferry Road is open Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and the phone number is 251-574-4030.
Not sure which side of the city line your address falls on? Your account manager can help you find the right contact.