Happy Trash Can Curbside Compost

Recycling Center in Bozeman, Montana

📍 2143 Story Mill Rd, Bozeman, MT 59715
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📞 +1 406-570-0896 🌐 Visit Website 🗺 Get Directions

About This Location

Since 2016, Happy Trash Can has turned over 2.5 million pounds of Bozeman-area food waste into finished compost each year, serving households and restaurants through a monthly curbside subscription that accepts all food scraps — including meat and dairy.

What this location Accepts

✓ All food scraps — fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, fats, butter, sauces
✓ Compostable packaging labeled 'compostable'
✓ Yard waste in 30-gallon paper or compostable bags (under 10 lbs; $2/bag)
✓ Pumpkins (fit in bucket = free; oversized = $3–$5 each)
✓ Christmas trees (curbside pickup; $15–$20 fee)

Related recycling guides: Yard Waste · Cardboard & Paper

What they do not accept

✕ Plastic (bags, wrap, conventional packaging)
✕ Rubber bands, twist ties, fruit stickers
✕ Polyester tea bags
✕ Candy wrappers and conventional single-use packaging
✕ Bio-solids, diapers, pet waste
✕ Pizza boxes
✕ Sod, dirt, and rocks

Fees

  • Residential curbside subscription — Starting at $15/month
  • Second 5-gallon bucket — $5/month
  • Yard waste bag (30-gal paper or compostable, under 10 lbs) — $2 per bag
  • Forgotten bucket emergency pickup — $8
  • Extra full bucket — $4 each
  • Christmas tree curbside pickup — $15–$20

Programs & events

  • Subscriber compost benefit — Active subscribers receive free finished compost in spring and summer and year-round discounts on compost purchases.
  • Commercial composting — Restaurants, grocery stores, offices, and other businesses can enroll in customizable commercial organic-waste pickup programs.
  • 24/7 drop-off bin — A pay-what-you-can drop-off bin is available at the Story Mill Road facility around the clock, serviced three times per week. Maximum 5 gallons per week.

Materials, fees and hours can change — call ahead to confirm before your visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Happy Trash Can accept meat and dairy in its compost buckets?

Yes — unlike many municipal compost programs, Happy Trash Can accepts all food scraps including meat, dairy, fats, butter, and sauces.

I don't want a monthly subscription. Can I just drop off food scraps?

Yes. A pay-what-you-can drop-off bin at 2143 Story Mill Rd is accessible 24/7 and is serviced three times a week. The informal limit is 5 gallons per week.

Does Happy Trash Can pick up regular recyclables like cardboard or bottles?

No. Happy Trash Can is an organic-waste composting service only. For cardboard, bottles, metals, and other recyclables, Bozeman residents should contact the Gallatin Valley Solid Waste Management District or check Earth911.com.

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Contact & Location

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Address
2143 Story Mill Rd, Bozeman, MT 59715
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City / State
Bozeman, Montana

Opening Hours

Monday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (office/phone)
Tuesday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (office/phone)
Wednesday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (office/phone)
Thursday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (office/phone)
Friday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (office/phone)
Saturday Closed (office)
Sunday Closed (office)

Location Map

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