Bozeman, MT Trash & Recycling: Collection Schedule (2026)

Section 32.02.030 of the Bozeman Municipal Code sets pickup frequency for the City of Bozeman. All solid waste headed to city service must be properly disposed of in a container acceptable to the solid waste service, and collection is weekly unless an exception applies. Two exceptions are printed: 35-gallon totes are collected weekly or monthly depending on need, and dumpsters are collected daily or weekly depending on need. The section prints frequency only, not pickup weekdays or route maps.

Who is served: under § 32.02.020 the director of transportation and engineering is responsible for collecting and disposing of solid waste for all residences, buildings or other premises in the city that accumulate it. The city provides service to all persons or properties within city limits requesting it. When totally undeveloped, vacant land is annexed, or developed land that receives no solid waste services is annexed, the city provides all subsequent service.

How the two account types work: § 32.02.010 defines automated collection service as pickup by a city truck with a mechanical arm that dumps totes, and dumpster collection service as pickup by a collection vehicle that empties dumpsters. Totes and dumpsters are both owned by the city.

What happens when a property misses the container rule: if the owner, occupant or operator fails to dispose of waste in a container as the article requires, including failing to arrange a special pick up or to tag excess items, the director can place a violation notice on the container, and the violation must be corrected within 24 hours. If it is not corrected, or another violation occurs within six months of the first, the director can require the property to move to the next size container and charge accordingly, charge the owner under the article, or both. For a property on private service, the director can send a certified letter describing deficiencies. If the concerns are not addressed within 48 hours of receipt, or return within six months, the director can require city collection and charge all costs to the owner, occupant or operator.

Cost: under § 32.02.060 the city commission sets collection rates each year by resolution, as monthly fees on the water and sewer statement. A fee becomes delinquent if not paid by the 15th of the month in which the bill is received.