Montana Recycling Guide: What You Can and Can't Recycle

Recycling should feel simple, but many Butte residents are not always sure what belongs in the bin. Rules can vary by community, and items that look recyclable are not always accepted through curbside recycling. This recycling guide explains what can be recycled in Butte, what should stay out of the bin, and how McGree Trucking helps local residents keep the process easier.

Why Recycling Rules Can Be Confusing

Recycling depends on more than the material itself. Local programs must consider sorting requirements, contamination, transportation, and the availability of a market for the material after collection. In Montana, recycling can be more challenging because communities are spread out and recyclable materials often need to travel long distances before they are processed.

That is why it is important to follow local guidance instead of guessing. When the wrong items go into a recycling bin, they can contaminate otherwise recyclable materials and may cause more waste to end up in the landfill.

Common Items That Are Usually Recyclable

While accepted materials can vary, many recycling programs commonly focus on clean, dry, and empty household items. These may include:

• Type 1 & 2 plastic bottles

• aluminum and tin cans

• cardboard

• newspaper

• magazines

• catalogs

• mail

• writing paper

• paper bags

• shredded paper in paper bags

Before placing items in your bin, remove food residue and liquids. A greasy pizza box, a half-full bottle, or an unrinsed can may cause problems during sorting. Cans and bottles should be empty, and paper products should be kept dry whenever possible.

Items That Should Not Go in the Recycling Bin

Some items require special handling and should not be placed in a standard curbside recycling bin. These commonly include:

• food waste

• plastic bags

• dirty containers

• broken glass

• hazardous materials or chemicals

• Always check local recycling guidance for special disposal items such as batteries, electronics, paint, or motor oil.

These materials can create safety issues, damage equipment, or contaminate a recycling load. Hazardous household items should be handled through proper local disposal options, not standard recycling or trash collection.

How to Recycle Smarter at Home

A few simple habits can make recycling easier and more effective:

• Keep recyclables clean, dry, and empty 

• Do not bag recyclables unless your provider tells you to 

• Break down cardboard when possible 

• Keep food, liquids, and trash out of the recycling bin 

• Check before recycling unusual items 

• Contact your local provider when you are unsure

If an item seems questionable, it is better to ask before placing it in the bin. This helps protect the rest of the recyclable materials and keeps the collection running smoothly.

Curbside Recycling With McGree Trucking

We provide residential trash collection and curbside recycling for the Butte Silver Bow community. As a family-run business serving the area since 1949, we help residents and businesses manage everyday waste while supporting a cleaner local community. We also offer a range of dumpster rentals, from 4 to 30 yards, for your larger projects. For current recycling collection details, route questions, or help understanding what belongs in your bin, call us at (406) 723-3728 or contact us online. Our team can help you stay on track with residential recycling and ensure your household waste is handled properly.

Image credit: // Shutterstock // Chekyravaa