No, burning household trash is illegal statewide under Montana’s Air Quality Act, with exceptions only for agricultural or land-clearing burns permitted by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). Local ordinances, such as those enforced by Missoula County’s Air Quality Program, often impose stricter prohibitions, including bans on open burning within city limits. Violations may trigger DEQ enforcement actions or fines up to $10,000 under 2026 amendments to MCA 75-2-205.
Key Regulations for Burning Trash in Montana
- DEQ Permits Required: Open burning of municipal solid waste demands a permit under ARM 17.8.740, with denials issued for materials containing plastics, treated wood, or electronics due to dioxin risks.
- Local Bans: Counties like Gallatin and Flathead prohibit all residential burning, aligning with 2024 local health department directives to reduce PM2.5 emissions.
- Agricultural Narrow Exemption: Farmers may burn crop residue post-harvest but must file a Notice of Agricultural Burning with DEQ 48 hours prior, per ARM 17.8.749, and avoid burning within 300 feet of structures.
Non-compliance risks escalate in 2026, as DEQ’s revised enforcement protocols prioritize unpermitted burns in wildland-urban interfaces. Consult the Montana Air Quality Permit Handbook or county environmental health offices for jurisdiction-specific guidance.