This item is presented for discussion only and does not require formal Council action. The purpose of this work session is to obtain Council feedback on the proposed amendments to Article 21-200 of the Billings Municipal Code before the ordinance is brought forward for public hearing and first reading on August 10, 2026.

This work session provides an overview of proposed amendments to Article 21-200 of the Billings Municipal Code governing solid waste. The amendments include eliminating the City's curbside cardboard collection and recycling program, updating residential collection standards, clarifying eligibility for use of the Billings Regional Landfill, codifying landfill operating rules, strengthening enforcement authority, updating waste definitions, and modernizing the ordinance. The purpose of the work session is to obtain Council feedback prior to the ordinance being scheduled for a public hearing and first reading on August 10, 2026.

At the June 1, 2026, Council Work Session, staff presented an overview of the City's curbside cardboard collection and recycling program, including program costs, participation, operational challenges, and available alternatives. Based on that discussion, Council provided general direction to staff to move forward with eliminating the curbside cardboard collection program. Implementing that change requires amendments to Article 21-200 of the Billings Municipal Code (BMCC).

In addition to removing the curbside cardboard collection program, staff has identified several other updates to Article 21-200 that are intended to improve clarity, reflect current operational practices, strengthen enforcement, and modernize the City's solid waste regulations. The proposed amendments include:

• Updating and clarifying solid waste collection standards;
• Clarifying the geographic eligibility for use of the Billings Regional Landfill;
• Requiring agreements for all solid waste haulers using the Landfill;
• Codifying landfill operating rules related to vehicle movement, speed limits, safety requirements, and user conduct;
• Updating and modernizing waste definitions;
• Strengthening enforcement authority; and
• Improving the organization, clarity, and consistency of the ordinance throughout.

This work session provides Council an opportunity to review the proposed amendments and provide feedback before the ordinance is scheduled for a public hearing and first reading on August 10, 2026.

Attached to this memo are both redlined and clean versions of the proposed ordinance amending BMCC Article 21-200, along with the accompanying presentation.

There are no fiscal impacts associated with this presentation. If the proposed amendments are adopted, eliminating the City's curbside cardboard collection and recycling program is expected to reduce operating expenditures by approximately $234,000 in FY27.

This item is for information and discussion.