Transfer Station Permitting and Allowable Waste

Overview

Permit Information

The Transfer Station services both city and county residents and there are respective permits for each. Learn more about permitting options for transfer station users.

Permitting Options

Permit Information: Residential users must show permits in order to use the Transfer Station. Pictures of permits are not acceptable. The Scale Operators cannot look up permits. Residential solid waste fees are paid on residential property taxes. If you are renting, please check with your landlord.

Scratchgravel Landfill District Residents (Lewis and Clark County) - If you live outside the City limits and need permit information call 447-8086.

City of Helena - Residential home owners may obtain permits by bringing proof of ownership (closing papers or call 447-8086 to verify you are in the database) and a picture ID to the Transfer Station Administration Office. The Transfer Station Administration Office is open Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:00pm ONLY. OUR OFFICE HAS RE-OPENED AS OF JUNE 1, 2021 for permit issue/replacements. If you are not the legal property owner we cannot issue the permit unless a signed authorization form is completed and brought in with your ID. This authorization form must be signed by the listed owner of the property and returned to our office upon issue of permit.

Permit Replacement - If you have lost your permit, there will be a $5 replacement fee charged. Replacement permits are issued to the legal homeowner only, with a picture ID. All replacement permits can be picked up at the Transfer Station Administration Building, Monday - Friday - 8:00am to 4:00pm ONLY. OUR OFFICE HAS RE-OPENED AS OF JUNE 1, 2021 for permit issue/replacements. For more information call 447-8086. If you are not the legal property owner we cannot issue the permit unless a signed authorization form is completed and brought in with your ID. This authorization form must be signed by the listed owner of the property and returned to our office upon issue of permit.

Recycling Permit – Contact Sarah Mushaney smushaney@helenamt.gov or 447-8086 to obtain a permit to haul recycling to the Transfer Station. For curbside recycling, please contact Helena Curbside Recycling

Permit Request for New Construction - 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. Office hours are Monday – Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.  .

Please bring the following items with you to setup service for new construction homes

City of Helena Residents (New Construction)

  • Photo ID
  • Closing Documents (proof of ownership)
  • Credit/Debit card or check payments are accepted for City of Helena Residents.

County-Scratchgravel Residents (New Construction)

  • Photo ID
  • Closing Documents (proof of ownership)
  • Check - only form of payment accepted for County Residents at this time.

Permit Request for New Homeowner of Existing Property - The City of Helena Solid Waste Division updates home sales/ownership records frequently. When a home is sold inside the city limits, the current permit issued to seller will be VOIDED. After closing, the new owner can come to the Transfer Station Administration Office and a new permit will be issued. Transfer Station Administration office is only open Monday-Friday, 8:00am - 4:00pm. OUR OFFICE HAS RE-OPENED AS OF JUNE 1, 2021 for permit issue/replacements. Prior to coming to the Transfer Station, new owners can call 447-8086 to verify their information has been updated in our records. Or, the new owner can bring their closing papers and a picture ID to the Transfer Station Administration Office and a permit will be issued. Permits are only issued to the home owner listed on the closing papers or listed in our property tax database. A picture ID is required.

Not Eligible for a Permit? City of East Helena Residents - City of East Helena residents are eligible to use the Transfer Station on a cash basis only.

Transfer Station Accounts

Businesses can set up a Transfer Station account. See our forms page for a Transfer Station Account Application. This allows you to haul material into the Transfer Station as needed and be billed monthly. You will be required to sign a receipt upon exiting the facility and you will be given a copy of this receipt. There is a minimum charge of $6.00 (0 - 200 pounds). Current tipping fee is $56.75 per ton.

Rates for Cash and Commercial Customers

Each residential permit is allocated 3000 pounds per fiscal year (July 1st - June 30th). When you have reached/exceeded your 3000 pound allowance, you will pay for the overage and you will be put into a cash customer status. Tracking logs will be provided at the scale house upon request. Fee items such as tires, freon units and mattresses apply after permit credit has been reached or exceeded.

Rates also apply to non-permit holders and commercial users.

For waste brought to the Transfer Station, learn more about scale fees.

  • Permit holders pay $0 until they reach 3,000 pounds. Any overages result in a fee per tonnage based on the current tipping fee.
  • Minimum Fee - $6.00 (0 – 200 pounds) for Cash and Tipping Customers.
    • See the Solid Waste Cash Customer Pricing matrix via our forms page.
  • Tipping Fees - $56.75 per ton.

Learn More about Special Item Fees

Freon units, tires, mattresses, & box springs are deducted from permit holders’ yearly allowance; there is no charge if the residential permit is valid. You will only be charged for the weight on the permit.

Fee items such as freon units, tires, mattresses & box springs apply to cash and commercial customers.

  • Mattresses - $10.00 each. Mattress fee is in addition to a weight charge
  • Box Springs - $10.00 each. Box Spring fee is in addition to a weight charge
  • Refrigeration Units $15.00 each (refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, wine coolers and water coolers). Freon fee is in addition to a weight charge
  • Passenger/Light Truck Tires Off Rim - $5.00 each. Tire fee is in addition to a weight charge
  • Passenger/Light Truck Tires On Rim - $10.00 each. Tire fee is in addition to a weight charge
  • Tires larger than 3 feet high or 18 inches wide are not accepted - For paid disposal options contact Ellis Mobile Tire Cutting - 406-521-0498
  • Truck Tires Off Rim - $15.00 each (over 20 inches inside diameter). Tire fee is in addition to a weight charge
  • Truck Tires On Rim - $25.00 each (over 20 inches inside diameter). Tire fee is in addition to a weight charge

Allowable Waste

Each residential permit is allocated 3000 pounds per fiscal year (July 1st - June 30th). When you have reached/exceeded your 3000 pound allowance, you will pay for the overage and you will be put into a cash customer status. Tracking logs can be provided at the scale house upon request. Property owners are responsible for maintaining and tracking allowances.

Yard Waste

Yard waste is diverted from the waste stream. The weight of yard waste IS deducted from the permits annual allowance.

The compost yard is straight back from the Scale, just past the Admin Building. All bags must be emptied, and items in the correct pile. Thank You.

Automotive Wastes

Car Batteries - Please store in an upright position and place in designated container, in the Recycling area, next to the oil structure

Waste Oil - Accepted from residential users in quantities of 5 gallons or less per visit to the Transfer Station, pour oil in designated spot, or leave oil jug in marked area for attendant to empty.

Antifreeze - Accepted in quantities of 5 gallons or less. Do not mix with other liquids.

Tires

We do accept most tires at the Transfer Station. We cannot accept tires larger than 3 feet high or 18 inches wide.

The following fees apply, if you do not have a residential permit:

  • Passenger/Light Truck Tires Off Rim - $5.00 each. Tire fee is in addition to a weight charge
  • Passenger/Light Truck Tires On Rim - $10.00 each. Tire fee is in addition to a weight charge
  • Tires larger than 3 feet high or 18 inches wide are not accepted - For paid disposal options contact Puff's Tires - 406-223-3822
  • Truck Tires Off Rim - $15.00 each (over 20 inches inside diameter). Tire fee is in addition to a weight charge
  • Truck Tires On Rim - $25.00 each (over 20 inches inside diameter). Tire fee is in addition to a weight charge

There is no charge for residential permit holders with a valid permit. A valid permit is one that has not exceeded the 3,000-pound allowance. Note: The fees above are disposal fees. This does not cover the weight of the tires. Cash customers will pay the weight and the tire disposal fee.

Appliances with Freon

A $15.00 per unit fee is charged for refrigeration units for cash and commercial customers. This freon charge is in addition to a weight charge – see the pricing matrix via our forms page. This fee helps to offset the cost of Freon removal, which is mandated by law. All refrigerators/freezers must be empty of food prior to disposal. All refrigerator/freezer doors must be removed prior to entry. Refrigerators and freezers will be inspected by the scale operator and stickered before entering the Transfer Station.

There is no charge for residential permit holders with a valid permit. A valid permit is one that has not exceeded the 3000 pound allowance.

All other appliances and metals should be placed in the designated Scrap metal area. Always ask the scale attendant if you are unsure where an item is to be disposed of.

Paint

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 447-8094 for assistance.

Household Hazardous Waste

Wastes generated within your home are not regulated by law and can usually be legally and safely disposed of at the Transfer Station once they are properly prepared. They can be prepared by being air dried or solidified in sand or kitty litter and then double bagged for disposal. If you are unsure about a specific item, please call the Recycling at 447-8094.

Electronic Waste

Residential permits are required, the weight of E-Waste items will be deducted from the annual permit allowance.

Commercial customers, cash customers and out of area E-Waste recyclers will pay the current Transfer Station tipping fees on the weight brought in.

E-Waste Recycling Containers are in the Recycling Area, just past the oil deposit.

We will no longer be accepting the following FOR RECYCLING, these items are landfill disposal only.

  • All computer monitors
  • Printers
  • Televisions (CRT, Flatscreen)
  • Console Televisions
  • Projection Televisions
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