Flathead County landfill fees to increase

Following a public hearing held Tuesday, Aug. 20, the Flathead County Commissioners unanimously approved a fee increase for the Flathead County Solid Waste District. 

Starting Sept. 1, the annual assessment fee for a landfill unit will rise by 15%, from $80.73 to $92.84. On Nov.1, the current Tip Fee will also increase by 15%, from $31.05 per ton to $35.71 per ton. Both fees will have an additional 3% annual increase over the next four years. The assessment fee adjustment will be reflected in the First Property Taxes due Nov. 30. Service charges for green waste (brush and limbs) fees have also increased to $55/ton on Nov. 1.  

The fee adjustments are necessary to address rising operational costs due to inflation, increased staffing needs, capital improvements and growing waste volume. These changes are essential to maintaining the quality and availability of waste management services in Flathead County.  

Flathead County Solid Waste District has not increased its fees since 2007. However, the continued operation and maintenance of essential waste management services demand significant funding. After a comprehensive Disposal Fee Study by MSW Consultants was presented in June 2024, a fee adjustment was deemed necessary to ensure the sustainability of these vital services. 

For more information, please contact Public Information Officer Tanath Bradley at tbradley@flathead.mt.gov. Answers to frequently asked questions and the Disposal Fee Study by MSW Consultants are available on our website at https://flathead.mt.gov/department-directory/waste under the "Documents" section.