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

Section 21-214 gives the city exclusive control over collecting, removing and disposing of solid waste inside Billings. A private hauler cannot pick up your dumpster, and no one other than city agents or employees can perform the collection work the article assigns to the city.

Subsection (a) carves out three exceptions. The first points to section 21-215, where Public Works can give written special permission for isolated premises or places a truck cannot reasonably reach, and to section 21-203, where the city administrator or a designee issues annual written permits to private entities that collect infectious waste and hold the licenses required by MCA 75-10-1006. The second covers drop-box service for construction and demolition debris, allowed only under a written agreement approved by the city council. The third preserves existing garbage or solid waste service after annexation, as provided by MCA 7-2-4736. Subsection (b) lets the city administrator, with the consent of the city council, call for bids on any area opened to competitive bidding by private haulers.

The rest of Article 21-200 sets the container rules that come with that monopoly. Under section 21-207(b), commercial properties must have enough containers to hold all waste generated between scheduled collections, and Public Works can direct more frequent pickup or additional or larger receptacles when capacity falls short. Section 21-208 requires commercial containers not supplied by Public Works to stay in good condition with proper and functional lids, wheels where applicable, no bends and no holes. A container with jagged or sharp edges, a lid that will not fit tightly, or a body that lets waste scatter is declared unserviceable, and replacement is required upon notification. Public Works repairs and replaces the containers it provides.

Section 21-210(c) requires commercial properties to provide suitable storage facilities that protect against accidental dispersal of waste onto the property, alleys and streets, and section 21-210(a) bans underground container storage. Section 21-211(d) requires a minimum clearance of four feet around each cart or container, and Public Works will not pick up one without it. Section 21-212 bars dumping into another person's container without the owner's consent.