5 rules for unincorporated Yellowstone County, Montana.
Verified from official government sources
The City of Billings runs municipal curbside collection and the Billings Regional Landfill, which also serves county residents and regional haulers. Unincorporated Yellowstone County residents arrange service through private haulers or self-haul to the landfill; there is no countywide mandatory-collection ordinance.
In Billings, garbage must be bagged, tied, and placed at the public right-of-way — crews cannot enter private property. Set garbage out by 6 a.m. on collection day; yard-waste carts by 7 a.m. Green bins may not be stored on the street. The unincorporated county sets no placement rule.
Billings residents schedule special pickups for furniture, appliances, and large branches by calling Solid Waste. Special pickups run $60 to $180 depending on quantity, with a separate $87 fee per refrigerator/freezer/AC. Extra items are $5.50 each. County residents self-haul to the Billings Regional Landfill.
Recycling is voluntary in Yellowstone County — there is no mandate to recycle. Billings offers voluntary curbside yard-waste collection (April-November) and drop-off recycling; the Billings Regional Landfill and private drop-offs take cardboard, paper, metal, electronics, and household hazardous waste.
Montana law bans dumping garbage, dead animals, or refuse on roads, public property, within 200 yards of a public road, or on recreational private land without consent. Violators face absolute liability and civil penalties. Yellowstone County also cites accumulated debris under its Community Decay Ordinance.
MCA 75-10-212(2)
It is unlawful to dump or leave any garbage, dead animal, or other debris or refuse: (a) in or upon any highway, road, street, or alley of this state; ... (c) within 200 yards of a public highway, road, street, or alley or public property; (d) on privately owned property where hunting, fishing, or other recreation is permitted.
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