Resources
FAQs
Got Questions?
We have answers.
Pricing
Are there any additional fees I should be aware of?
Additional fees may apply for special services such as bulk item removal, excess waste, special pickups, and container rentals. We will always provide a clear pricing structure and discuss any additional fees with you in advance.
When is my bill due?
Billing cycles and due dates will be clearly stated on your invoice. If you have any questions, our customer service team is here to help.
How much do you charge for service?
Our service charges vary based on the type and frequency of service you require. Please contact us for a detailed quote.
How are my waste collection fees determined?
Fees are based on the size of your trash bin, the frequency of pickup, and the types of services you require. We aim to provide cost-effective solutions and can tailor our services to match your needs.
Where do I view any changes to my service and pricing?
Any changes to services or pricing will be communicated directly to our customers via email, mail, or a notice on our website. You can also call our customer service for the latest information.
Services
What should I do if I move to a new address within your service area?
If you’re moving to a new address within our service area, please notify us at least two weeks in advance so we can update your account and arrange for continued service at your new location.
Do your trucks have cameras in them?
Yes, for the safety of our personnel and to ensure the quality of service, our trucks are equipped with cameras.
What size bins do you offer?
We offer various bin sizes to meet different needs. Visit our services pages or Contact us to discuss which size is right for you.
Can I suspend service for a vacation I am taking?
Yes, we can temporarily suspend your service if you’re going away. Please notify us at least one week in advance. We require a one-month minimum if you would like credit for the temporarily suspended service.
Do I need to sign a contract?
We typically require a service agreement to ensure clear communication of service terms, but we do not require a contract. All of our services are month-to-month, and you can cancel at any time.
How do I start service?
Starting service is simple. Complete our online application to request the service you are looking for. You can also contact us by phone or visit our office, and we’ll help you set up the service that best fits your needs.
Do you offer service at my location?
We serve many areas within and around Helena, MT. Please call us or check our website to confirm service availability at your location.
Collection day
What happens if my waste is not collected due to severe weather?
In the event of severe weather, collection services may be delayed for the safety of our staff and the community. We will resume service as soon as it is safe to do so and will communicate any changes to your collection schedule through our website, social media channels, or direct communication when possible.
What if my bin was dumped but it didn’t empty all the way?
If your bin wasn’t fully emptied, it might be due to the waste being packed too tightly. Please loosen the contents for the next pickup, and if the problem persists, contact us for assistance.
I forgot to put my bin out, what do I do?
If your bin was not out in time for the scheduled pickup, we can arrange for a return visit on your next scheduled collection day. Please ensure your bin is out by the night before your pickup day to avoid missed pickups.
Are there any items that require a special pickup or additional fees?
Yes, items such as appliances, refrigerant-containing items, and certain bulky items may require a special pickup and could incur additional fees. Please contact us for a quote and scheduling.
What is the process for reporting a missed pickup?
If your waste has not been picked up on your scheduled day, please report it to our customer service within 24 hours. We will investigate the issue and, if the miss was on our part, we will arrange for collection as soon as possible.
Can I change my collection day?
Collection days are typically assigned based on your location to ensure efficiency in our routes. If you have a special request, please contact our customer service, and we will do our best to accommodate you, although changes cannot be guaranteed.
How are collection days determined during weeks with holidays?
Typically, if a holiday falls on a weekday, collection for the day of the holiday will be conducted the following weekday. The remaining days of the week should not be delayed. We will contact you if this changes.
Why was my bin missed?
If your bin was missed, it could be due to several reasons such as accessibility issues or an obstruction, or our driver may have had to dump before collecting your garbage. Please contact us to reschedule a pickup. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Where do I place my bin on pickup day?
Please place your bin at the edge of the curb with the handle facing your residence and at least 4 feet away from cars or other obstacles.
What if I have more garbage than what fits in my bin?
If you regularly have excess waste, consider upgrading to a larger bin size. Alternatively, you can contact us for a special pickup for an additional fee.
What is the weight limit for my trash bin?
Our bins can hold quite a bit of weight, please do not fill your bin with concrete or dirt. Overloading your bin may prevent it from being emptied properly and could result in additional fees. If you consistently have more waste than fits within the weight limit, please contact us to discuss a solution that meets your needs.
How should I sort my waste for pickup?
We encourage you to sort your waste according to local guidelines, which helps in recycling and composting efforts. General waste should be placed in your designated trash bin, while recyclable metals and compostable materials should be placed in their respective containers if you elect to use them.
What should I NOT put in my garbage bin?
Hazardous materials, large metal items, construction debris, and hot ashes should not be placed in your bin. For specific questions, please contact us.
What should I put in my garbage bin?
You can put all general household waste in your garbage bin. We also provide composting services if you would like to divert your food waste and/or yard waste. For specific guidelines, please contact customer service.
What day is my pickup?
Pickup days are determined by your location. Contact us with your address, and we will let you know your scheduled pickup day.
Recycling
Can I recycle metal?
Yes—and we will buy it from you! Turn that extra scrap metal you have lying around into cash. Give us a call at 406-603-0114 for more information.
How do I properly dispose of large cardboard boxes?
Large cardboard boxes should be flattened and placed in the recycling bin if they fit. If they are too large, please flatten them and cut them into manageable sizes. For very large quantities or sizes, contact us to arrange a special pickup. You may also cut cardboard boxes and put them in your garbage bin.
Holidays
When and how will Christmas trees be picked up?
We are excited to partner with the local Boy Scouts for the Christmas tree collection. The Boy Scouts will be picking up trees in the community as part of their fundraising efforts. If you would like to support them and have your tree picked up, please contact Troop 214 (
tr************@gm***.com
) for the collection schedule and details on how to participate.
If you prefer us to collect your Christmas tree directly, we can certainly accommodate this request for an additional fee. Please reach out to our customer service to schedule this service and we will provide you with all the necessary details, including the fee and the available pickup dates.
What holidays affect my pickup?
Service may be delayed on major holidays such as New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Unless notified by our team, your collection day around these holidays will be on the following weekday.
Environment
How do I prevent bears from getting into my trash bin?
In areas where bears are a concern, we take proactive measures to prevent wildlife from accessing and being harmed by waste. We provide specially designed straps for trash bins that are intended to deter bears and keep them out of the trash, ensuring both their safety and the cleanliness of your property.
If you are in an area frequented by bears and require a bear-resistant trash bin strap, please contact our customer service. We will work with you to provide the necessary equipment and instructions on how to secure your trash bin effectively. Our team is committed to supporting our “bear customers” and the local wildlife by promoting safe and responsible waste disposal practices.
How do I know if my waste is being disposed of responsibly?
We are committed to environmental stewardship and follow all local, state, and federal regulations in waste disposal. We also engage in recycling and composting efforts to minimize the impact on landfills.
How can I reduce my waste and impact on the environment?
We encourage reducing waste by recycling and composting where possible. Consider donating items that are no longer needed but still usable. Additionally, you can purchase products with less packaging and use reusable containers.
Large Waste Disposal
What if I occasionally have extra waste that doesn’t fit in my bin?
If you occasionally have extra waste, please contact us in advance. We can guide how to handle the extra waste, which may include scheduling an additional pickup for a fee.
How far in advance do I need to schedule a bulk item or roll-off box pickup?
To ensure availability and prompt service, we request that you schedule bulk item pickups or roll-off box services at least 24 hours in advance. This allows us to manage our resources effectively and provide you with the best possible service.
What should I do with old furniture or appliances?
For old furniture and appliances, we offer bulk item removal services. Some items may be eligible for recycling, so please contact us to determine the best disposal method and to schedule a pickup.
What if I need to dispose of large amounts of waste, a large item, or construction material?
For large waste disposal, we offer bulk item removal and roll-off box services. Contact us to arrange a pickup or rental that suits your needs.
Can Maintenance
What is the best way to clean my trash bin?
To clean your trash bin, rinse it out with a hose and use a disinfectant or a mild detergent. Allow the bin to dry in the sun to help eliminate odors. If you require a deep cleaning service, please contact us for options.
My bin smells, can I get a new one?
Regular cleaning is recommended to prevent odors. If the problem persists, contact us to discuss a replacement.
What if my bin is cracked?
A cracked bin that is unusable can be replaced. Please contact our customer service to arrange for a new bin.
What if the lid and/or wheel on my bin is broken?
If your bin’s lid or wheel is broken, contact us for a repair or replacement.
What if my bin is stolen or destroyed?
Report a stolen or destroyed bin to your local sheriff’s office and contact our customer service immediately. We will replace it, and if necessary, assist you with filing a police report.
Customer Service
Where can I ask more questions?
For any further questions, please contact our customer service team by phone, email, or visit us in person at our office.
What if I have a complaint about the service?
If you have a complaint, please contact our customer service as soon as possible. We are committed to providing excellent service and will work with you to resolve any issues promptly.
Landfill
What holidays is the landfill closed for?
The landfill is closed on New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
What do we accept at the landfill?
The Tri County landfill is MDEQ licensed and professionally engineered to ensure all safety and environmental protection measures are in place to meet or exceed government regulations and eliminate any environmental harm. This landfill primarily accepts municipal solid waste (MSW), construction and demolition waste, recycling materials, and other special wastes (not including hazardous waste).
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- Construction and demolition waste
- Municipal solid waste
- Tires (auto)
- Yard waste
- Asbestos (Friable/Non-Friable)
- Septage
- Contaminated soil
- Industrial and special waste
- Clean Compost
- Recycling material
Composting
Will you accept deceased animals?
Yes, you can drop off your deceased animal to our composting area, but please contact us beforehand. You can also schedule a pick-up for larger animals like horses.
How is this service different from backyard composting?
We are a commercial composter, which means we can process a greater variety of material more quickly because of our machinery and because our compost piles exceed 120 F. In traditional backyard composting, you typically cannot compost things such as meat, dairy, BPI-certified products, etc. because it doesn’t get hot enough and because it can attract dangerous wildlife. Therefore, the benefit of our service is you can divert a greater variety of waste from entering the landfill with ease.
Why is the BPI certification important?
The BPI certification is critical because it is currently the only certification that guarantees the product is safe to be composted. If the product appears compostable but doesn’t have the BPI certification, it’s best not to put it in your compost bin because it may contain harmful materials such as PFAS which are ‘forever chemicals’ that negatively impact soil health and in turn our health.
What do I do if my can is damaged?
We ask that you try to take good care of your can as this helps us keep our costs low. But, if your can is damaged please call and request a new one.
We can replace the lid and the wheels without replacing the entire bin, so please specify how your can is damaged when you call.
When is my pick-up day?
You will receive your pick-up schedule when we drop off your bin. We will notify you of any changes to your pick-up schedule. If you are unsure of your pick-up schedule, please call us at 406-603-0114.
Can I request a new compost can?
Yes, simply call us at 406-603-0114 to request a clean can for a $10 fee.
How do I keep my compost bin clean?
To keep your bin clean, we recommend using BPI-certified compostable bags, placing a piece of cardboard on the bottom of the cart to soak up the liquids, or simply rinsing it with a hose every couple of weeks.
What can I not compost?
- Plastic and plastic-lined products
- Glass, metal, ceramic, styrofoam
- Any items lined with foil or wax
- Clothing and textiles
- Treated wood, coal, ash
- Produce stickers & tape
- Human or animal waste, cat litter
What can I compost?
- All food scraps including but not limited to: fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, processed foods, eggshells, bones, seafood shells, coffee grounds, tea & tea bags
- All yard waste and non-diseased houseplants
- Non-glossy paper, non-glossy cardboard, paper towels, paper bags, paper packaging, newspaper, napkins, tissues, coffee filters, non-dyed cardboard egg cartons (remove all stickers & tape)
- BPI-certified products
Disposal
What if I need to dispose of larger items that don’t fit in my container or bin?
We can send our grapple truck to pick up large items, brush piles, and grass clippings; we can even use it to pick up metal, cars, and junk removal. Please call us to get a quote and schedule the pick-up along one of our routes.
How should I dispose of yard waste like grass clippings or branches?
Yard waste such as grass clippings, leaves, and small branches should be placed in your compost bin or garbage bin. If you have larger amounts of yard waste or larger branches, please contact us for guidance on disposal or to schedule a special pickup.
What should I do with hazardous waste?
Hazardous waste requires special handling and should not be placed in your regular trash or recycling bins. Please contact our customer service for information on hazardous waste collection events or drop-off locations.
How do I dispose of paint?
Paint can be disposed of as general household garbage if the paint is solidified. We recommend using kitty litter to solidify paint so you can dispose of it in your garbage bin.
