Solid Waste Management Section
The Montana DEQ regulates solid waste facilities in Montana, including community recycling activities. This includes municipal landfills, construction and demolition waste landfills, septic tank land application sites, motor vehicle recycling and recycling activities. These functions are achieved by technical reviews, licensing, certifications, compliance monitoring, training and technical assistance. Our goal is to assure that the environment is adequately protected from the hazards of waste disposal, and increasing recycling rates in Montana.
We provide the following services:
- Technical review and licensing of solid waste treatment and disposal facility design and operational plans;
- Conduct inspections of solid waste management facilities and provide technical assistance to maintain compliance;
- License septic tank pumpers and inspect disposal sites for septic tank and sump wastes;
- Provide training for owners and operators of solid waste disposal facilities;
- Technical review and licensing of motor vehicle recycling and disposal facilities.
- Reduce the volume and toxicity of solid wastes through source reduction, recycling, and composting.
Map Showing Landfill Service Areas
Other Information:
DEQ adopted new rules for technologically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive material (TENORM) waste.- Requirements for the Characterization of TENORM Wastes Revised June 2020
- TENORM Fact Sheet
- Radiation 101 Concepts TENORM
TECHNOLOGICALLY ENHANCED NATURALLY OCCURRING RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS (TENORM) FINDINGS REPORT: The Montana DEQ contracted technical expertise from Tetra Tech, Inc. (Tetra Tech) to assist and provide guidance in developing rules regarding disposal of technologically enhanced radioactive material (TENORM) within the State of Montana. The primary objective in development of these TENORM regulations is to ensure that they are protective of human health and the environment and are tailored to Montana.
Click on report name to read the Tetra Tech TENORM Findings Report
Solid Waste Contacts
Solid Waste Management Section Supervisor
Fred Collins
Solid Waste Engineer
Tim Stepp (406) 444-4725
Solid Waste Hydrologist
Madeline Marchiafava (406) 444-6382
Data Control Technician
Andrea Staley (406) 444-3493
Waste Management Specialist
Joel Ebert
Important Dates to Remember
| Payment | Due Date |
|---|---|
| Total Payment | Due After July 1, before July 31 OR |
| 1st Quarter Payment | Due After July 1, before July 31 |
| 2nd Quarter Payment | Due October 1 |
| 3rd Quarter Payment | Due January 1 |
| 4th Quarter Payment | Due April 1 |
| Financial Assurance and Renewal Applications | Due April 1 |
Landfills
Click on a link below to open the application form. The form may then be completed online, printed, and mailed with all required attachments to the address below.
Mailing Address:
Waste and Underground Tank Management Bureau
Solid Waste Program
PO Box 200901
Helena, MT 59620-0901Application Review Sequence
Landfill New License Application:
License and Operating Fees
| Facility Class | Application Review Fee | Annual License Fee | Annual Disposal Fee/Ton | License Transfer Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Major Class II facility | $12,000 | $4,200 | $0.40 | $600 |
| Intermediate Class II facility | $9,000 | $3,600 | $0.40 | $480 |
| Minor Class II facility | $6,000 | $3,000 | $0.40 | $360 |
| Major Class III facility | $3,600 | $1,200 | $0.40 | $240 |
| Minor Class III facility | $2,400 | $600 | $0.40 | $180 |
| Major Class IV facility | $3,600 | $1,200 | $0.40 | $240 |
| Minor Class IV facility | $2,400 | $600 | $0.40 | $180 |
| Major incinerator | $12,000 | $4,200 | $0.40 | $600 |
| Intermediate incinerator | $9,000 | $3,600 | $0.40 | $480 |
| Minor incinerator | $600 | $3,000 | $0.40 | $360 |
Household Hazardous Waste or E-Waste Collection Event
If you plan to sponsor a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event and or an Electronics Waste Collection Event you must obtain a license first. The license is valid for one year and the sponsor may hold numerous events during that license year. However, Department notification and the submittal of an updated operation and maintenance plan is required prior to subsequent events. Please submit license applications 30-days prior to the planned event.Waste and Underground Tank Management Bureau
Solid Waste Program
PO Box 200901
Helena, MT 59620-0901
Important Dates
Licenses expire December 31. Septic Tank Pumper renewal applications must be received by the Department of Environmental Quality no later than January 31.
Licensees have until April 1, to renew their licenses without a late fee. After April 1 the late fee is an additional $125.00. After April 1 the Department may assess additional penalties for operators who are pumping without their licenses.
Program Forms
Please submit any completed forms to:
Montana Department of Environmental QualitySolid Waste Management Section
P.O. Box 200901
Helena, MT 59620-0901
Use the links to the forms below to apply for a new Septic Tank Pumper License or to renew a current Septic Tank Pumper License.
| Licensing and Disposal Site Forms | Format |
|---|---|
| Application (New Pumper) | Download PDF | Download Word |
| New Disposal Site Application (One form for each site) | Download PDF | Download Word |
| Renewal Application | Download PDF | Download Word |
| Operation and Maintenance Outline | Download PDF | Download Word |
| Vehicle Inspection Form | Download PDF | Download Word |
| Permission Slips | |
| Disposal Site Permission Slip | Download PDF | Download Word |
| Fire Season Permission Slip | Download PDF | Download Word |
| Disposal Records | |
| Land Application Summary Log Form | Download Word |
| Wastewater Treatment Summary Log Form | Download Word |
Guides
| Name | Format | |
|---|---|---|
| Septic Pumper Guide - 2.3 MB |  |
|
| Montana Homeowner's Guide to Septic Systems | |
|
| The Counties' Guide for Approving Septage Land Application Sites | |
|
Who Accepts What Waste Spreadsheet
Recycling Facilities
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.
Click on a link below to open the application form. The form may then be completed online, printed, and mailed with all required attachments to the address below.
Waste and Underground Tank Management Bureau
Solid Waste Program
PO Box 200901
Helena, MT 59620-0901
New License Application:
No Fee Required
Major Composting Information
Major Compost Facility is a composting operation that does not meet the definition of minor compost facility. Facilities that accept sewage sludge, biosolids, or septage for composting are major composters.
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.
Click on a link below to open the application form. The form may then be completed online, printed, and mailed with all required attachments to the address below.
PO Box 200901
Helena, MT 59620-0901
Compost License Application:
Fees:
| Operation Size | Application Review Fee | Annual License Fee | Annual Disposal Fee/Ton | License Transfer Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Major Compost Facility | $3,600 | $1,800 | $0.00 | $480 |
| Minor Compost Facility | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
Solid Waste Advisory Committee (S.W.A.C.)
Mission Statement: To enhance communication and the working relationship between the Department and solid waste management facility owners/operators, through the discussion of issues and the exchange of ideas.
Committee Members
| Representing | Name | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Small Western Class II Landfills | Vacant | |
| Compost Public/Private | Jim Simon | PO Box 461 Three Forks MT 59752 Phone: (406) 284-4029 Fax: (406) 582-2491 |
| Transfer Stations | Mark Nelson | 113 N Reservoir Rd Polson MT 59860-2125 Phone: (406) 883-7325 Fax: (406) 883-7326 |
| Small Eastern Class II Landfills | Vacant | |
| Major Public Class II Landfills | Barb Butler | 4848 Midland Rd Billings MT 59102 Phone: (406) 247-8633 Fax: (406) 247-8626 |
| MACo/Class III Landfills and Burn Sites | Mary Louise Hendrickson | 515 Broadway Townsend MT 59644 Phone: (406) 980-2055 |
| Private Intermediate Class II Landfills | Dave Duffy | 3630 York Rd Helena MT 59602-8815 Phone (406) 227-6300 Fax: (406) 227-0188 |
| Public Intermediate Class II Landfills | Vacant | |
| Landfarms | Joe Aline | PO Box 1279 Great Falls MT 59403-1279 Phone (406) 727-3537 Fax: (406) 727-9995 |
| Major Private Class II Landfills | John Collins | 3737 Coal Mine Rd Missoula MT 59802 Phone (406) 317-3278 |
| DEQ Solid Waste Program | Ricknold Thompson | PO Box 200901 Helena MT 59620-0901 Phone (406) 444-5345 Fax: (406) 444-1374 |
S.W.A.C. Meetings
S.W.A.C. meets the first week of the first month of each quarter and as needed. The next meeting is scheduled for:Thursday, January 7, 2021, 1:30-3:00 PM
LINK TO MEETING: https://mt-gov.zoom.us/j/99552050006?pwd=Kzk4ODc4TG42OUliMkkwQ3E3NHJXUT09
ID: 995 5205 0006
PASSWORD: 527 879
CALL-IN 406-444-9999
ID: 995 5205 0006
PASSWORD: 527 879
FIND YOUR LOCAL NUMBER: https://mt-gov.zoom.us/u/aeGVwLXasa
Meeting Minutes
Beneficial Use of Industrial Waste/By-Products
The Department of Environmental Quality recognizes that diverting non-hazardous industrial and manufacturing by-products for recycling saves disposal costs for the generator, decreases material costs for end users, and preserves natural resources by decreasing the demand for virgin materials. In addition, the Department encourages the beneficial use of industrial by-products to protect the environment, preserve resources, conserve energy, reduce greenhouse gases, and reduce or eliminate the need to otherwise dispose of these materials in licensed landfills. Unless these non-hazardous waste industrial or manufacturing by-products are used in an approved beneficial manner, they are to be managed as a solid waste.
A Beneficial Use Determination (BUD) is a determination that an industrial or manufacturing by-product material, otherwise destined for disposal, will be used in a specific and beneficial manner. In an effort to encourage diversion from the solid waste stream, the Department’s approval of the BUD exempts the individual proposing to use this material from obtaining a solid waste management system license for the specific use identified. As long as the material is used in compliance with the approved BUD, there is no requirement for a solid waste license.
Click on a link below to open the application form. The form may then be completed online, printed, and mailed with all required attachments to the address below.
Waste Management & Remediation Division
Waste and Underground Tank Management Bureau
Solid Waste Section
PO Box 200901
Helena, MT 59620-0901
Beneficial Use Determination Guidance and Application:
Beneficial Use of Industrial Waste/By-Products Guidance and Application Form
Beneficial Use Determination Annual Reporting Form:
Beneficial Use Determination Annual Reporting Form
No Fee Required
Soil Treatment Facilities (Landfarm)
"Landfarm facility" is a solid waste management system engaged in the controlled remediation through landfarm treatment technologies of non-hazardous contaminated soil that is not subject to regulation under the underground storage tank/leaking underground storage tank statutes and rules found in Title 75, Chapter 11, MCA, and ARM Title 17, Chapter 56.
"Major landfarm facility" is a facility that has 8,000 cubic yards or more of contaminated soil, from single or multiple events, undergoing treatment and accepted for treatment at the facility at any time during a calendar year.
"Intermediate landfarm facility" is a facility that has more than 2,400 cubic yards but less than 8,000 cubic yards of contaminated soil, from single or multiple events, undergoing treatment and accepted for treatment at the facility at any time during a calendar year.
"Minor landfarm facility" is a facility that has up to 2,400 cubic yards of contaminated soil from single or multiple events either undergoing treatment or accepted for treatment at the facility.
"One-time landfarm" is a facility for remediation of less than 2,400 cubic yards of non-hazardous contaminated soil generated from a single event, regardless of the source.
Click on a link below to open the application form. The form may then be completed online, printed, and mailed with all required attachments to the address below.
Waste Management & Remediation Division
Waste and Underground Tank Management Bureau
Solid Waste Program
PO Box 200901
Helena, MT 59620-0901
New License Application:
- Soil Treatment Facility (Landfarm) License Application (Major/Intermediate/Minor)
- One-Time Landfarms for the Remediation of Hydrocarbon Contaminated Soils Application
- Solid Waste Management System License Transfer Application (All Landfarms)
Guide and Reports:
- General Guidelines for the Operation of a Soil Treatment Facility (All Landfarms)
- Soil Treatment Facility Annual Report Form
Fees:
Landfarm Facility Type |
Application Review Fee |
Annual License Fee | Annual Disposal Fee/Ton |
License Transfer Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Major landfarm facility | $3,600 | $1,800 | $0.40 | $600 |
| Intermediate landfarm facility | $2,400 | $1,200 | $0.40 | $480 |
| Minor landfarm facility | $1,200 | $600 | $0.40 | $360 |
| One-time landfarm (≥800 cubic yds) |
$500 | $0 | $0.00 | $0 |
| One-time landfarm (<800 cubic yds) |
$200 | $0 | $0.00 | $0 |
Biodiesel Facility
Biodiesel is a renewable fuel produced from agricultural resources such as vegetable oils. Most biodiesel is made from soybean oil; however canola oil, sunflower oil, recycled cooking oils, food waste, and animal fats are also used.
Biodiesel production facilities that produce biodiesel from waste cooking oil and who produce more than 2,500-gallons of biodiesel per year must obtain a Class II Solid Waste Management System License. The license must be renewed annually. Fees associated with the license application and license renewal are noted below.
Biodiesel production facilities that produce biodiesel from waste cooking oil and who produce less than 2,500-gallons per year for personal use must obtain a Small Biodiesel Production Facility license. The license is free, but requires an annual license renewal.
Click on a link below to open the application form. The form may then be completed online, printed, and mailed with all required attachments to the address below.
Click on a link below to open the application form. The form may then be completed online, printed, and mailed with all required attachments to the address below.
Waste Management & Remediation Division
Waste and Underground Tank Management Bureau
Solid Waste Program
PO Box 200901
Helena, MT 59620-0901
New License Application:
Fees:
| Facility Class | Application Review Fee | Annual License Fee | Annual Disposal Fee/Ton | License Transfer Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Major Class II Facility | $12,000 | $4,200 | $0.40 | $600 |
| Intermediate Class II Facility | $9,000 | $3,600 | $0.40 | $480 |
| Minor Class II Facility | $6,000 | $3,000 | $0.40 | $360 |
Resource Recovery
Resource recovery is always a component of recycling. However, not all recycling is resource recovery. The processing of recyclables to either (a) extract or recover materials/resources, or (b) convert to energy, is considered resource recovery. These activities are performed at a resource recovery facility.
ARM 17.50.403(40) defines Resource Recovery as follows:
- 'Resource recovery' means the recovery of material or energy from solid waste.
Further, resource recover facility and resource recovery system are further defined as follows:
- ARM 17.50.403(41) 'Resource recovery facility' means a facility at which solid waste is processed for the purpose of extracting, converting to energy, or otherwise separating and preparing solid waste for reuse; and,
- ARM 17.50.403(42) 'Resource recovery system' means a solid waste management system which provides for the collection, separation, recycling, or recover of solid wastes, including disposal of nonrecoverable waste residues.
Click on a link below to open the application form. The form may then be completed online, printed, and mailed with all required attachments to the address below.
Mailing Address:
Fees:
| Facility Class | Application Review Fee | Annual License Fee | Annual Disposal Fee/Ton | License Transfer Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Major Class II facility | $12,000 | $4,200 | $0.40 | $600 |
| Intermediate Class II facility | $9,000 | $3,600 | $0.40 | $480 |
| Minor Class II facility | $6,000 | $3,000 | $0.40 | $360 |
| Major Class III facility | $3,600 | $1,200 | $0.40 | $240 |
| Minor Class III facility | $2,400 | $600 | $0.40 | $180 |
| Major Class IV facility | $3,600 | $1,200 | $0.40 | $240 |
| Minor Class IV facility | $2,400 | $600 | $0.40 | $180 |
| Major incinerator | $12,000 | $4,200 | $0.40 | $600 |
| Intermediate incinerator | $9,000 | $3,600 | $0.40 | $480 |
| Minor incinerator | $600 | $3,000 | $0.40 | $360 |
Infectious Waste Transporter
Click on the link below to open the registration form. The form may then be completed online, printed, and mailed with all required attachments to the address below.
Waste Management & Remediation Division
Waste and Underground Tank Management Bureau
Solid Waste Program
PO Box 200901
Helena, MT 59620-0901
Registration Form:
No Fee Required