No More Curbside Cardboard Pickup in Billings: Your Bin Rules Are Changing Too

If you've gotten used to setting your flattened boxes out at the curb, you'll want to start planning ahead. The City of Billings Public Works has confirmed in a recent Facebook post that curbside cardboard collection will end September 24, 2026, and a stricter bin lid rule will be enforced the following week.

Why Billings Is Ending Curbside Cardboard Collection

Billings City Council voted to end residential cardboard collection after reviewing the program's costs, participation, and long-term sustainability. According to the city, only about 10% of households were actually using the service. Ending it is expected to save the city approximately $312,000 a year in labor, equipment, and recycling costs. City officials say that savings will help keep residential garbage service at $15.75 per month, among the lowest monthly rates in the region.

If you've been putting cardboard out regularly, don't stop yet. Collection will continue as scheduled throughout August and September according to your normal collection calendar. The change doesn't take effect until September 24.

Where To Recycle Cardboard After September 24 In Billings

Once the program ends, residents will have two main options for handling cardboard. You can drop it off yourself at Earth First Aid, located at 458 Charles Street, or you can flatten your boxes and place them directly in your black garbage bin. If your household generates enough cardboard that your existing bin doesn't have room, the city is offering a second garbage bin for $5.25 per month.

READ MORE: Billings Crime Map Website Shutting Down in October

New Billings Bin Lid Rule Begins Week Of September 28

Alongside the end of cardboard collection, the city is rolling out a stricter rule on garbage bin lids. Starting the week of September 28, residents will need to make sure everything fits inside their cart with the lid fully closed. According to the city, closed lids help prevent litter during collection. Bins with lids that can't fully close will be tagged and skipped starting that week, so it's worth getting into the habit of closing your lid completely before then.

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Where To Find More Billings Garbage Collection Info

The city has more details and answers to frequently asked questions available on its Garbage Collection page and its dedicated September 2026 Garbage Service Updates page.