Landfill rate changes
EMILY MESSER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 hours, 2 minutes AGO
Emily Messer joined the Lake County Leader in July of 2025 after earning a B.A. degree in Journalism from the University of Montana. Emily grew up on a farm in the rolling hills of southeast Missouri and enjoys covering agriculture and conservation. She's lived in Montana since 2022 and honed her reporter craft with the UM J-School newspaper and internships with the RMEF Bugle Magazine and the Missoulian. At the Leader she covers the St. Ignatius Town Council, Polson City Commission and a variety of business, lifestyle and school news. Contact Emily Messer at [email protected] or 406.883.4343 | March 19, 2026 12:00 AM
Following the recent expansion of the Lake County landfill, the county commissioners made minor adjustments to some of the waste fees.
The adjustments change the commercial hauler rate to $37 per ton and the brush rate to $40 per ton. The unit of measurement for landfill construction and demolition debris was changed from cubic yards to tons.
Starting in tax year 2026, there will also be an annual Consumer Index Pricing increase that will not exceed 3%. The increase will include all fees associated with solid waste and the annual solid waste fee. The CPI increases will continue for three years, after which they will be re-evaluated, according to the commissioner's proposal.
ARTICLES BY EMILY MESSER
Landfill rate changes
Following the recent expansion of the Lake County landfill, the county commissioners made minor adjustments to some of the waste fees.
New garbage hauler comes to county
At the beginning of March, Grizzly Disposal and Recycling began serving Lake County and, within 10 days, had secured 300 customers. Just like its competitor, Republic Services, Grizzly had to apply for a carrier license with the Montana Public Service Commission (PSC). This allows commercial haulers to haul municipal solid waste to the county's landfill.
Ballots for special purpose and school trustees go out next month
Mail-in ballots for the Lake County Special Purpose Districts and School Districts will be sent out April 15 and must be returned to the Lake County Election Office by election day on May 5.