Landfills & Dumps in Montana

Montana's waste management system is regulated by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) under the Solid Waste Management Act (Title 75, chapter 10, part 2, MCA) and administrative rules at ARM Title 17, chapter 50. The DEQ regulates municipal landfills, construction and demolition waste facilities, septic tank land application sites, motor vehicle recycling operations, and other waste activities. These functions are achieved through technical reviews, licensing, certifications, compliance monitoring, training, and technical assistance to ensure environmental protection from disposal hazards while increasing recycling rates.

Montana's vast geography creates unique waste management challenges, with facilities serving communities across great distances from Billings and Missoula to small mountain towns and prairie communities. Regional landfills in population centers typically charge $30 to $50 per ton, while smaller facilities and container sites often use flat rates of $5 to $20 per load. Some rural counties include disposal costs in property taxes. Container sites allow residents in remote areas to drop off bagged garbage in large dumpsters that are periodically hauled to regional landfills.

The state classifies landfills by the waste they can accept. Class II landfills handle municipal solid waste and have specific design and monitoring requirements. Some remote areas operate Class III landfills for local disposal of limited waste types. The DEQ recently prepared environmental assessments for landfill expansions, including the Deer Lodge Landfill where 25.6 acres of a 110-acre site are planned for active landfilling of Group II, III, and IV waste.

Special waste categories require particular attention in Montana. Exploration and production (E&P) wastes from oil and gas operations are regulated as special waste and may be landfilled or landfarmed at licensed Class II facilities based on waste characteristics. The DEQ has adopted rules for technologically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive material (TENORM) waste to ensure disposal is protective of human health and the environment. Beneficial Use Determinations allow industrial by-products otherwise destined for disposal to be used in approved beneficial manners.

Areas with bear activity require bear-resistant garbage containers and may restrict when waste can be put out. Landfills in bear country use electric fencing and other deterrents to prevent wildlife conflicts. Larger cities like Billings and Missoula operate household hazardous waste collection programs, while rural areas rely on periodic collection events that may occur only once per year. Before visiting any Montana disposal facility, contact them directly to confirm accepted materials, fees, and operating hours.