Recycling Resources

According to the EPA, 24.1% of municipal solid waste is food and combined yard trimmings, wood and paper/paperboard, the total for organic materials in landfills rises to 51.4% (EPA, Impacts of Sending Food and Other Organic Materials to Landfills, 2025). Composting is a perfect way to reuse the nutrients captured in those wastes and save landfill space.

Find out how you can compost at home, whether you live in an apartment or a house, below. Additionally, find information about local composting services in your area.

• How to Compost at Home

Additional Resources:

• EPA Composting at Home
• U.S. Composting Council

The importance of plastic

Plastics are modern, synthetic materials. Plastics are oil and gas based. Over 90% of
plastics produced are derived from virgin fossil feedstocks which represents about 6% of global oil consumption (The New Plastics Economy: Rethinking the future of plastics) The superior properties of plastics, such as their hygiene (clean or free from disease causing microorganisms), their fluid and air barrier capacities, and their light weight and durability contribute significantly to our health and quality of life.

Why are there so many different types of plastics?

The reason is that the actual type of plastic used is determined by the demands of the application. For example, if the plastic bottle needs to be squeezable, like a mustard bottle, then it’s going to be made of a different plastic from one that doesn’t need to be squeezable, like a milk jug.

Each plastic type brings a unique blend of properties to the packaging design table and has been engineered to package a particular type of product. For example, PET plastic or "1" plastic, has been specially designed to help soft drinks remain carbonated.

Why is recycling plastics important?

Recycling and reuse of plastics have the obvious benefit of decreasing the number of used plastics that end up in landfills. With increased plastics recycling, fewer natural resources need to be extracted to produce virgin plastic. Producing new plastic from recycled material uses only two-thirds of the energy required to manufacture it from virgin raw materials. Five two-liter recycled PET bottles produce enough fiberfill to make a ski jacket; 36 recycled bottles can make one square yard of carpet.

Recycling plastic in Montana

Check your local solid waste and recycling facilities websites to see if they recycle plastics and what types of plastics are accepted.

Many rural communities in Montana are not currently able to recycle plastics due to low market prices for recycled plastics and transportation distances.

Tips for recycling plastics

• Rinse your bottles.
• Remove caps from bottles. Caps are made from a different kind of plastic and contaminate the plastic.
• Stomping your plastic bottles before placing the crushed bottles in the proper recycling bins will save your community money.
• Check with your recycler to see what kinds of plastic the business handles and only put the kinds of plastics your recycler accepts in the bin. Also, unless your recycler asks for more than bottles, only place bottles in recycling containers.

Although the digital age has brought a significant reduction in paper consumption over the last couple of decades, paper is still very practical and widely used, and the waste of paper is still problematic. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that in 2018, landfills received 17.2 million tons of MSW paper and paperboard. This was 11.8 percent of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) landfilled in 2018.

What kind of paper is recyclable?

Acceptable materials for recycling may vary from region to region. The following are examples of different fibers that can be placed in recycling containers:

• Newspaper
• Magazines/catalogs
• Office paper (sometimes sorted by white vs. colored)
• Envelopes/ junk mail
• Cardboard
• Tissue boxes
• Toilet paper rolls
• Cereal boxes
• Paper drink cartons
• Unwaxed food packaging

Read the specific instructions from your local recycling facility about what fibers can and cannot be recycled.

For more information:

• American Forest and Paper Association: Shares information, including environmental policies and recycling initiatives, about forest products such as paper and wood.

Glass is 100% recyclable but brings many challenges to Montana because of our low population. This works against us in that we do not generate "enough" glass to lure glass bottling plants to Montana and we do not produce enough consumer glass to be an effective source for a full-scale recycling program.

DEQ works hard to explore opportunities to recycle glass locally. The department recognizes that expensive hauling costs prohibit recycling programs that rely on out-of-state markets to pay for collected glass. Instead, as with other recyclables, Montana must encourage local businesses or programs to utilize collected materials. Such local businesses or “markets” contribute to cost-effective recycling programs and avoid expenses related to shipping recyclables out of state to industrial processors.

To read more about the story of glass in Montana, check out Glass Recycling in Montana (coming soon) detailing the history of different programs in the state and what the future of glass recycling could look like.

Metal recycling is the process of collecting, processing, and reusing metals that would otherwise end up as waste. Unlike many other materials, metals can be recycled indefinitely without losing their properties. This makes them one of the most sustainable materials on Earth. Common metals that are recycled include steel, aluminum, copper, brass, and iron—all of which play significant roles in industries ranging from construction to technology.

While the market for other recycled materials can be quite variable and at times, not profitable, the metals market remains largely stable. Metal recycling is available across the majority of Montana and is one of the most effective and economical ways to reduce waste in our state.

Aluminum and steel cans should always be recycled. Additionally, separate out your metals from the metal pile at the landfill as these metals are a source of revenue to the landfill and help keep your disposal costs low.

The general estimate for waste tires is one waste tire per person per year according to the EPA. Based on that estimate, Montana generates about one million waste tires each year. 

Tires are considered a “component part” of a motor vehicle. Waste tires are those that cannot be used for their original intended purpose and are discarded. Waste tires are a Group III solid waste and are not classified as hazardous waste. Tire disposal is governed by the Solid Waste Management Act, (75-10-201, MCA), and associated Administrative Rules of Montana, (Title 17, Chapter 50, Sub-parts 4 & 5).

The different methods of dealing with tires including reuse, recycling, pyrolysis, or energy recovery, are outlined in Waste Tires in Montana (coming soon).

E-waste

Electronics contain valuable metals and components that can be used again in another manufacturing process. Cadmium, hexavalent chromium, mercury, chromium, barium, beryllium and brominated flame-retardant materials are components that can pollute water and air resources without proper disposal or recycling. Montana does not have legislation requiring electronic equipment be recycled or banning electronics from landfills. Due to Montana's distance from most markets for recyclables, it may not be in the state's best interests to ban materials from landfills until reliable markets have been established for those materials.

When e-waste crosses borders illegally and is indiscriminately dumped, or dismantled in unsound conditions, serious damage to human health and pollution of water, air and soil is often the result. Learn more about illegal exporting of electronics.

For many e-waste recyclers, data destruction is part of their business. If you are concerned, please contact your e-waste recycler to understand their policy on data destruction.

Additional Information:

• EPA Sustainable Management of Electronics

How to recycle electronics in Montana

• Recycling Locations: There are year-round opportunities to recycle electronics in Montana. Check with your local solid waste and recycling facilities for e-waste disposal options.
• Retailer Collection: Retailers such as Best Buy, Costco, and Staples offer collection of some E-waste materials. Check their website for specifics for what is accepted and if any fees apply.
• Collection Events: Check with your county or city government for information on local e-waste collection events.
• Sell your E-Waste: Certain electronics may still have value, even if they don’t work. For example, buyers can be found online for cell phones and video gaming consoles. Other items, like GPS units, digital cameras, and Apple products may also be sought by online buyers. Common websites used include Craigslist or Freecycle.
• Donate: Your unwanted but working equipment should be donated to a charitable organization. The National Cristina Foundation is a national organization that provides computers to needy individuals.

Batteries

Household alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 9-volt, and 6-volt) contain corrosive potassium hydroxide, which poses a long-term problem for landfills. Corrosives in landfills can contribute to the degradation of the cell linings intended to prevent landfill contents from leaking into the soil and groundwater. Not long-ago alkaline batteries contained mercury. Thankfully, that is no longer a concern. The corrosive properties of batteries are the main problem today. Alkaline batteries can be safely discarded in the trash in small quantities. To avoid the proliferation of batteries in your trash, consider rechargeable batteries.

Rechargeable household batteries, including nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd), nickel metal hydride (Ni-Mh), and lithium ion (Li) batteries are bad news in landfills because they contain heavy metals such as cadmium. These heavy metals combine with water and organic solvents to produce a toxic leachate that can leak out of landfills and threaten groundwater. But rechargeables are still the best alternative since they are reusable so many times and at the end of their lives, they are more easily recycled than disposable alkaline batteries.

Lithium-ion batteries pose unique risks to both households and solid waste facilities due to their flammability. These batteries must be stored properly at home and must not be placed in landfills as they can cause fires. See the lithium-ion battery FAQ for more information.

Recycling batteries in Montana

Your business, household or local recycling center can participate in these Fee-for-Service programs:

• Batteries Plus: Stores located in Billings, Bozeman, Great Falls, Helena, Kalispell, and Missoula. All offer recycling.
• Battery Network: This resource allows you to find nearby battery recyclers using their search engine.
• Grainger.com: Grainger offers battery recycling and other services as well as selling a wide range of facilities management equipment.
• WeRecycle Battery Box: Purchase postage-paid boxes to collect both alkaline batteries, rechargeable batteries and other items for recycling.

Montana HHW programs

Some communities have permanent, ongoing household hazardous waste (HHW) collection programs, and other communities have annual or occasional HHW collection events or paint exchanges. Many communities, however, do not have the funds to offer such programs to their citizens. HHW events typically cost thousands of dollars due to the expensive processing and land filling costs of the hazardous materials collected. Contact your county solid waste management office to find out how household hazardous waste is handled in your area.

• Bozeman: Bozeman Convenience Site will now accept household hazardous waste Tuesday-Saturday between 8am and 2:30pm except for observed holidays. Please see their website for more information on what is accepted.
• Flathead County: A HHW Collection Day is held on the third Saturday of every month. Call or visit the website for an appointment by the second week to schedule.
• Missoula: The Missoula Household Chemical Disposal Facility at Home ReSource provides the option to drop off your household hazardous waste year-round. The facility is located at Home ReSource 1515 Wyoming St., Missoula, MT 59801. See the website to schedule your drop-off.
• Billings: HHW is accepted at the Billings Regional Landfill. Please see their website for what and how much is accepted.  
• Helena: A collection event for HHW is held annual each fall and latex paint exchanges are offered annually each spring and fall.  For more information, please contact City of Helena- Public Works Department at 406-447-8094

Assistance for commercial and industrial hazardous waste

DEQ Hazardous Waste Program: find lists of hazardous waste consultants, transporters, and remediation firms.

Reducing HHW in Montana

All Montana citizens can avoid generating HHW by reducing consumption and choosing more natural, alternative products.

1. Buy only what you need.
2. Share products with your neighborhood and community.
3. Buy “green” products.

Resources:

• EPA’s “Safer Choice” Program: A program instituted by the EPA to help consumers find products that perform and contain ingredients that are safer for human health and the environment.
• Consumer Reports Greener Choices.org: This Consumers Union website provides non-commercial, independently researched, unbiased information so that consumers can find practical information on buying “greener” products with reduced environmental impacts.
• Green Choices Eco Labels: Provides information about greener cleaning products.

Pharmaceuticals

Medicines should not be flushed down the toilet at the end of their use. This includes both over the counter and prescription medicine, including supplements. The old recommendation of flushing pharmaceuticals down the toilet is the least desirable alternative for the disposal of unwanted or unused medications. Wastewater treatment plants and septic systems are not designed to treat pharmaceutical waste. 

Find the nearest drop-off location and dispose of the medication properly.

What cannot go in bins?

• Used sharps (hypodermic needles, syringes, auto injectors, infusion sets, connection needles/sets, and lancets)
• Dietary supplements, vitamins
• Business waste (e.g., company representatives' product samples, waste from clinics, doctors, dentists, and veterinary practices)
• Mercury thermostats
• Radiopharmaceuticals
• Chemotherapy or cytotoxic medicines
• Compressed gas cylinders or aerosol containers (e.g., asthma inhalers)

Mercury

Mercury occurs naturally in air, water and soil, and is present in diverse consumer products, such as thermometers, thermostats, and vehicle switches. It is important to carefully manage these products at end-of-life to prevent release of mercury into the environment, and to protect human health. Visit the EPA’s website to read about different consumer products that may contain mercury and how to dispose of them properly. 

Thermostats

While most homes have switched to thermostats that do not contain mercury, some older homes have older thermostats which contain mercury. If remodeling or replacing thermostats in an older home, do not throw them in the garbage.

Find where to recycle thermostats thorough the Thermostat Recycling Corporation.

CFL bulbs

Where to Recycle CFLs:

• Lowes
• Home Depot
• Batteries Plus Bulbs

If no options exist for recycling CFLs in your area, you can dispose of spent bulbs through your trash service only after placing the bulbs in a sealed plastic bag.

Recycling guidance:

• Lithium-ion Battery Best Practice
• Special Event Recycling Guide

Compost guidance:

• Filter Berms and Erosion Control: Innovative Concepts for Compost Use

To begin recycling at your solid waste facility or if you are interested in recycling at your current solid waste facility, you must include a description of these activities in the facility Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Plan that includes a discussion of the types of materials collected, where the materials will be stored, the location of salvage operations, how often the material will be removed and where it will be taken, and how the area will be monitored.

• Solid Waste Facility Application

A solid waste management system is a system that controls the storage, treatment, recycling, recovery, or disposal of solid waste. A license from the Solid Waste Program is required for the operation of a solid waste management system. A recycling facility that is not regulated under the Motor Vehicle Recycling and Disposal Program must be licensed by the Solid Waste Program.

ARM 17.50.403(36) defines recycling as:

• "Recycling" means the process by which materials otherwise destined for disposal are collected, reprocessed or remanufactured, and reused.
• Further, reuse, recyclables, and recycling facility are defined as follows: ARM 17.50.403(43) "reuse" is the use of a product more than once in its same form for the same purpose; e.g., a soft drink bottle is reused when it is returned to the bottling company for refilling;
• ARM 17.50.403(35) "recyclables" are materials that still have useful physical or chemical properties after serving their original purpose and that can, therefore, be reused or remanufactured into additional products; and,
• ARM 17.50.403(37) "recycling facility" means a facility, generally open to the public, that handles only source-separated or presorted material for the purpose of recycling either in bulk or in container(s) with a total site capacity of more than 40 cubic yards.

Obtaining a recycling license is free in the State of Montana.

• Recycling Facility Application

Minor compost facility

Minor compost facility is a composting operation that:

• Has less than two acres of active working area;
• Accepts less than 5,000 cubic yards of feedstock annually; 
• Produces less than 2,500 cubic yards of compost annually; and
• Does not accept sewage sludge, biosolids, or septage.
• Minor Composting Facility Application

Major composting facility

Major compost facility is a composting operation that does not meet the definition of minor compost facility (link to minor compost facility section).  Facilities that accept sewage sludge, biosolids, or septage for composting are major composters.

• Major Composting Facility Application

Tax incentives

See Title 15 Chapter 32 Part 6 MCA for more information.

Recycling property credit

An individual, corporation, partnership, or small business corporation may receive a tax credit for investments in depreciable property used primarily to collect or process reclaimable material or to manufacture a product from reclaimed material according to the following schedule:

• 25% of the cost of the property on the first $250,000 invested;
• 15% of the cost of the property on the next $250,000 invested; and
• 5% of the cost of the property on the next $500,000 invested.

The credit may not be claimed for:

• Investments in depreciable property in excess of $1 million
• An industrial waste generated by the person claiming the tax credit unless: the person generating the waste historically has disposed of the waste onsite or in a licensed landfill; and standard industrial practice has not generally included the reuse of the waste in the manufacturing process
• An investment in property used to produce energy from reclaimed material

Purchase of recycled materials

• Taxpayers that purchase recycled material as a business-related expense can deduct 10% of the expense of these products from federal adjusted gross income in arriving at Montana adjusted gross income.
• The purpose of providing a tax deduction for the purchase of recycled materials is to encourage the use of goods made from reclaimed materials, especially post-consumer materials, and to discourage consumption of the same goods made from new materials.
• The definition of recycled material is determined by the Montana Department of Revenue.

Deduction for purchase of Montana produced organic fertilizer 

• Taxpayers may deduct expenditures for organic fertilizer, such as compost, that is produced in Montana and used in Montana.
• The deduction is allowed if the expenditure was not otherwise deducted in computing taxable income.
• The deduction is in addition to all other deductions from adjusted gross individual income allowed in computing taxable income under Title 15, chapter 30 or from gross corporate income allowed in computing net income under Title 15, chapter 31, part 1.

Credit against certain permitting fees for certain uses of post-consumer glass

A person(s) with beneficial interest in a business may receive a credit against the fees imposed in 75-2-220 (Air Quality) for using post-consumer glass in recycled material if qualified under HB499 Section 3.

• The credit may be claimed for glass used in recycled material in the calendar year prior to that which the applicant is paying fees under 75-2-220.
• The amount of the credit is:
  • $7 for each ton of post-consumer glass used as a substitute for nonrecycled materials; with a maximum allowable credit in any calendar year of $1,500 or the total amount of fees due, whichever is less.

The post-consumer glass used in recycled material may not be an industrial waste generated by the person claiming the credit unless:

• The person generating the waste historically has disposed of the waste onsite or in a licensed landfill; and
• Standard industrial practice has not generally included the reuse of the waste in the manufacturing process.

Note: Not all recycled-content products qualify for the tax deduction.

• Purchases that are not a business-related expense claimed on income tax returns are not eligible.
• Purchases for re-sale do not qualify. Retailers or brokers that purchase recycled-content products as inventory for re-sale cannot qualify for a deduction.
• The Montana Department of Revenue may determine ineligibility after evaluating the context in which the product is used.
• Some materials are categorically excluded.*

*Current categorical exclusions

• Metals: Metals such as aluminum, steel, copper, and similar non-precious metals are ineligible for the tax deduction.
  • Most common metals have well-established demand and infrastructure for collecting and processing scrap. DEQ reviews current industrial practices for specific metals and if it determines, as the EPA has with steel, that recycled content has become an integral part of modern manufacturing processes, the Department will consider the market for that recycled metal as “well-established”. Well-established recycling activities negate the need for further market-building incentives, and the Department will recommend that purchase of those metals be ineligible.
• Cardboard packaging: Cardboard packaging is ineligible for the tax deduction. Other cardboard recycled-content products remain eligible.
  • According to the Fiber Box Association cardboard packaging recycling works so well that in 2006, the average corrugated box contained 43% recycled content. For this reason, DEQ determined that the market for recycled cardboard into packaging products is well-established and recommended that packaging use of the recycled material is ineligible. Other uses for recycled cardboard may still be eligible for the deduction.

Montana CHemical EXchange for Schools (M-CHEXS)

M-CHEXS is an innovative recycling and toxic chemical reduction initiative program as part of DEQ's sustainability and solid waste reduction goals. The program is currently offered for high schools in Montana. 

This program will enable the posting and sharing of unused and used chemicals for reuse in other labs for classroom instruction. Most of these chemicals will eventually be destined for disposal, and the cost associated with lab packing and transportation of the chemicals runs on average between $25,000 - $50,000 per clean up.

Interested in participating in the M-CHEXS program? Reach out to one of the following:

• Dusti Johnson (406) 444-6499
• Megan Wingard (406) 444-2835

Starting a recycling program at your school

Many resources exist for teachers wishing to discuss and encourage recycling. The nonprofit Recycle Montana advocates for increased recycling and sponsors a classroom education program. 

For more information on how to start recycling programs at your school and information on sustainability at Universities in Montana, visit School Recycling Resources.