Solid Waste

The Solid Waste Division is equipped to meet all your disposal needs. We operate both residential and commercial waste collection for the City of Helena. We also operate the Solid Waste Transfer Station.

The Transfer Station handles residential and commercial garbage disposal and permitting.

Holiday Closures

  • January 20 - Martin Luther King Day - Monday - Transfer Station Closed. Collection pick up Tuesday.
  • February 17 - Presidents' Day - Monday - Transfer Station Closed. Collection pick up Tuesday.
  • April 20 - Easter Sunday - Transfer Station Closed.  Does not effect Collection services for that week.
  • May 26 - Memorial Day - Monday - Transfer Station Closed. Collection pick up Tuesday.
  • June 19 - Juneteenth - Thursday - Transfer Station Open. Collection pick up Normal.
  • July 4 - Independence Day - Friday - Transfer Station Closed. Collection pick up Normal.
  • September 1 - Labor Day - Monday - Transfer Station Closed. Collection pick up Tuesday.
  • October 13 - Indigenous Peoples' Day - Monday - Transfer Station Closed. Collection pick up Tuesday.
  • November 11 - Veterans' Day - Monday - Transfer Station Closed. Collection pick up Tuesday.
  • November 27 - Thanksgiving - Thursday - Transfer Station Closed. Collection pick up Friday.
  • November 28 - Day after Thanksgiving - Friday - Transfer Station Admin Office Closed Friday, November 28th. Collection pick up Normal.
  • December 25 - Christmas Day - Thursday - Transfer Station Closed. Collection pickup Friday.
  • January 1, 2026 - New Years Day - Thursday - Transfer Station Closed. Collection pickup Friday.

*Please visit this website as changes may occur throughout calendar year. We try to give as much notice as possible.*

Solid Waste FAQ

Q: I lost my permit – how do I receive a replacement?

A: Visit the Transfer Station Administrative Building in-person or call 447-8086. Permit issue and replacement hours are Monday - Friday; 8:00am - 4:00pm only. Due note: a $5.00 replacement fee (cash, check or credit card) is required and replacement permits are issued to the legal homeowner only, with a picture ID. Learn more about solid waste permits via our Permits page.

Q: Is a permit required to use the Transfer Station?

A: Everyone is welcome to use the Transfer Station. Residents that pay Solid Waste Assessments are eligible for City or County permits, and may enter using a valid permit. All other customers can pay with cash, check, credit card or use a commercial Transfer Station account. There is a $6.00 minimum (0 to 200 pounds). The current tipping fee is $56.75 per ton. For account forms or cost per pound for cash customers, please visit our Forms page.

Q: I just moved into a new or existing home and need to establish service. What do I do?

A: If you have purchased an existing home in the city limits you should already have a garbage container. It may be an individual 96 gallon container or a 300 gallon shared container in the alley. If the home is a brand new construction, the property owner must come to the Transfer Station and pay a pro-rated solid waste assessment. You can pick up your permit at that time. Visit our Residential and Commercial Collection page for more information or call 447-8086.

Q: How do I dispose of tires?

A: We do accept most tires at the Transfer Station. We cannot accept tires larger than 3 feet high or 18 inches wide. Learn more about fees and requirements via our Allowable Waste page.

Q: If I put a large item out in front of my house like a couch, will Solid Waste pick it up for me?

A: You can request a Bulk Waste Collection Truck to pick up items you are unable to bring to the dump. The truck must be scheduled in advance and there are fees associated for its use. Call 447-8082 option 2 to request Bulk Waste Collection. Call 447-8086 if you have questions.

Q: Can I rent a container for a project at my home?

A: Absolutely! Solid Waste has a roll-off container for every sized project. The City of Helena Roll-offs can only be delivered within the City Limits. Please call us at 447-8082, option 3 if you are unsure of your location. Learn more about sizes and costs via our Residential & Commercial Collection page.

Q: What day is does my residential trash get picked up?

A: Check out the solid waste collection days map via our Forms page.

Q: Can I dispose of paint at the Transfer Station?

A: During special events throughout the year, we can accept certain paints for disposal. However, the rest of the year, paints must be handled the following way: paints, solvents, and other liquid wastes may be air-dried or solidified in sand or kitty litter and then double bagged for disposal. If you are unsure about a specific item - call the Recycling Line at 447-8084 for assistance or learn more via our Allowable Waste page.

Q: How much do I have left on my permit?

A: Call 447-8086 to inquire about remaining tonnage on a permit. Please have your permit on hand to better assist you.

Q: How can I dispose of a refrigerator?

A: You can dispose of appliances with freon at the Transfer Station. Costs are associated to learn more via our Allowable Waste page.

Q: Can I recycle electronic waste at the Transfer Station?

A: Some items can be accepted for recycling, while others must be disposed of in the Transfer Station pit. Learn more about these items via the Allowable Waste page.

Q: I moved, how do I change my address on file?

A: Please visit our forms page to complete an application to change mailing address on file. You may also call 447-8086 to determine if that is the right form for your circumstances.


Christmas Tree Disposal

Residential waste permit holders can recycle trees in the green waste area at the Transfer Station. Trees received by January 31st will be recycled and used as part of a cooperative effort with Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks to create fish habitat at Canyon Ferry Reservoir. All decorations must be removed from trees.

Starting the week of January 12, the City will also offer curbside tree collection. To participate in the curbside collection program, set your tree next to your garbage container. Please note that this is a special seasonal program separate from the regular garbage service. The curbside pickup schedule is based on staff and equipment availability, therefore please allow 1 to 3 weeks for curbside tree pickup to occur. 

 Sanitation Codes for the City of Helena

Learn more about City Ordinances relating to Solid Waste