It’s Now Illegal in Montana to Put These Items in the Garbage

Most of the time, we throw something in the trash without thinking about it.

There are several everyday items that Montanans should never throw in the trash. Some are fire hazards, some are toxic to people and wildlife, and others can seriously damage landfills. Some items need to be recycled and shouldn't end up in a landfill.

With guidance from the Montana Department of Environmental Quality, here’s a breakdown of what needs special handling.

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• Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Batteries - Found in phones, laptops, power tools, and e-bikes. Can easily spark fires if crushed or damaged in a garbage truck or landfill.
• Electronics - Old TVs, computers, phones, and cords don’t belong in the trash. Electronics contain heavy metals like mercury, cadmium, and chromium, which can leach into soil and groundwater. Recycling centers across Montana can safely dismantle or refurbish them instead.
• Paint, Chemicals, and Household Cleaners - Leftover paint, solvents, pesticides, and automotive fluids are hazardous waste. Dumping them can contaminate water sources and harm wildlife.
• Fluorescent Bulbs and Mercury Thermometers - These contain mercury and should always be handled through proper recycling programs.

For Gallatin County residents, items like these can be taken to places such as Logan Landfill or the Bozeman Convenience Site, which are equipped to handle hazardous and specialty waste safely.

When in doubt, don’t guess. Check your local solid waste district’s website or call them. Tossing the wrong thing might seem harmless, but in Montana, protecting our land starts right at home.

Also, dumping garbage in unauthorized areas, such as publicly shared spaces, along roads, or in someone else's trash can, is illegal in Montana.