Billings, MT Trash & Recycling: Collection Schedule (2026)
Key Facts
- Collection frequency
- Once weekly, automated
- Hauler
- City-exclusive (Sec. 21-214)
- Container size
- 64- or 96-gallon black
- Billing
- Monthly, on water bill
- Yard waste season
- April through November
Summary
The City of Billings picks up residential solid waste once a week in automated black containers, and Sec. 21-214 makes the city the exclusive hauler: private companies can't collect your trash.
Residential service is defined as once-a-week automated collection of black containers provided by the city from residential properties. ... It is unlawful for any person other than the city to engage in the business of collecting, removing and disposing of solid waste within the jurisdiction of the city...
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 66 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 21-201 defines residential service as once-a-week automated collection of 64- or 96-gallon black containers, plus a matching green container for yard waste service running the first full week of April through the last full week of November. Sec. 21-214 bars anyone other than the city, its agents, or a council-approved contract hauler from collecting solid waste inside city limits: residents can't sign up with a private trash company. Charges are billed monthly on the combined public works water and wastewater statement (Sec. 21-226), and containers may only sit at the curb the night before and day of collection (Sec. 21-211(g)).
Violations & Fines
Overfilled containers simply won't be emptied until the next scheduled service day (Sec. 21-211(f)). Dumping solid waste on city property or someone else's premises without consent is a municipal infraction with civil penalties under Sec. 18-1304 (Sec. 21-219).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a private trash company in Billings?
How often is residential trash picked up?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Billings
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