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About This Location

The City of Helena Solid Waste Division operates the Helena Transfer Station at 1975 N Benton Ave, just north of Carroll College, which includes a public Recycling Center. It accepts newspaper, office and magazine paper, corrugated cardboard, aluminum and steel cans, mixed container glass, #1 and #2 plastics, used motor oil, antifreeze, cooking oil, automotive and lithium batteries and electronic waste. The facility is open to the public seven days a week; residents who pay the solid waste assessment recycle free, while cash customers pay a small minimum.

What City Of Helena Solid Waste Division Accepts

✓ Newspaper (Inserts and ads accepted)
✓ Office paper (White and pastel colors only)
✓ Magazines (Nothing thicker than 1/2 inch; no books or large catalogs)
✓ Corrugated cardboard (Break down; remove packing materials; place in large blue containers)
✓ Aluminum (Beverage cans, TV dinner trays, foil and food containers)
✓ Steel and tin cans (Labels are okay)
✓ Mixed container glass (Clear, brown and green may be mixed; remove lids and flow-control inserts)
✓ Plastics #1 and #2 (#1 clear bottles and clear trays, #2 milk jugs and colored; no black plastics)
✓ Motor oil (Engine, transmission, hydraulic and gear; residential, 5 gallons or less)
✓ Antifreeze (5 gallons or less per customer per day)
✓ Cooking oil (Up to 5 gallons per day; residential only)
✓ Automotive batteries (Store and transport upright)
✓ Lithium batteries (From phones, laptops, power tools, e-cigarettes; tape terminals)
✓ Electronic waste (e-waste)
✓ Scrap metal (With a permit)
✓ Tree branches (With a permit)

Related recycling guides: Electronics · Batteries · Appliances · Glass · Plastic · Cardboard & Paper · Motor Oil

What they do not accept

✕ Black plastics
✕ Oil-based paint, solvents and stains (in recycling)
✕ Books and large catalogs
✕ Commercial-source cooking oil

In the recycling stream, black plastics, books and large catalogs, and commercial-source cooking oil are not accepted, and oil-based paint, solvents and stains are not recyclable. Plastics are limited to #1 and #2 only.

Fees

  • Recycling (permit holders)
  • Recycling (cash customers)
  • Trash disposal (cash customers)

Access & restrictions

Open to the public · Walk-in (no appointment) · Open to the general public. Residents paying the city/county solid waste assessment get a free permit; others pay cash, check or credit card. Scrap metal, branches and some recyclables require a permit. Call the Recycling Line at 406-447-8084 with questions.

Programs & events

  • Recycling Center
  • E-waste and battery recycling
  • Used oil and antifreeze recycling

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I recycle at the Helena Transfer Station?

The Recycling Center takes newspaper, office and magazine paper, corrugated cardboard, aluminum and steel cans, mixed container glass, #1 and #2 plastics, motor oil, antifreeze, cooking oil, automotive and lithium batteries, and electronic waste. Black plastics are not accepted.

What are the hours?

Disposal and recycling are open Monday through Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., and all vehicles must be unloaded and out of the facility by 4:30 p.m.

Is recycling free?

Residents who pay the solid waste assessment have a free permit and recycle at no charge. Cash customers pay a $7.00 minimum that allows recycling up to 200 lbs.

Can I recycle plastics and glass here?

Yes. The center takes mixed container glass (clear, brown and green mixed) and #1 and #2 plastics such as clear bottles and trays and milk jugs. Black plastics are not accepted.

Last verified: October 2026. Sources: source · source · source. Spotted something wrong? Suggest a correction.

Contact & Location

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Address
1975 N Benton Ave, Helena, MT 59601
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Website
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City / State
Helena, Montana

Opening Hours

Monday 8 AM-4:15 PM
Tuesday 8 AM-4:15 PM
Wednesday 8 AM-4:15 PM
Thursday 8 AM-4:15 PM
Friday 8 AM-4:15 PM
Saturday 8 AM-4:15 PM
Sunday 8 AM-4:15 PM
← All centers in Helena