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Billings, MT Trash & Recycling: Dumpster Rules (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

General rule
City-exclusive collection, Sec. 21-214
Construction exception
Drop-box/roll-off service allowed
Commercial storage duty
Sec. 21-210(b) suitable facilities
Max penalty
$500 fine or 6 months jail

Summary

Billings reserves solid waste collection to the city itself, so private roll-off dumpsters and drop-boxes are allowed only as a narrow exception for active construction sites, not general commercial use.

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 ... except: ... (2) For drop-box service on construction sites; (3) Per a written agreement approved by the city council.

View official code

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

City Code Sec. 21-214 makes it unlawful for anyone but the city to collect, remove, or dispose of solid waste in Billings, with limited carve-outs: including drop-box service on construction sites and hauling under a written agreement approved by the city council. Outside that construction exception, commercial properties must still work within the city system: Sec. 21-210(b) requires suitable container-storage facilities to stop waste from spilling into alleys or streets, and Sec. 21-207(b) lets the city require more frequent pickups or larger receptacles if capacity runs short.

Violations & Fines

Violating Chapter 21 is a misdemeanor under Sec. 1-110: up to a $500 fine, up to 6 months in jail, or both, with each day of violation a separate offense; the city may also abate the condition directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hire a private dumpster company in Billings?
Only for construction-site drop-box service, a written city-council-approved hauling agreement, or an isolated-premises special permit: otherwise the city holds collection exclusively.
Do commercial dumpsters need to be enclosed?
Sec. 21-210(b) requires commercial properties to provide suitable storage facilities so waste can't spill into alleys or streets, though it doesn't mandate a specific enclosure type.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Billings

Collection ScheduleSome RestrictionsBulk Item DisposalSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Overnight ParkingSignificant RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsIllegal DumpingSome RestrictionsBin Placement RulesSome RestrictionsYard Waste CollectionSome RestrictionsPickup Rules & SchedulesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome Restrictions

All Billings rules

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