North Dakota Waste Management Guide 2025

North Dakota Waste Management Industry Overview

North Dakota generates approximately 1.2 million tons of municipal solid waste annually, serving a population of 779,000 residents (2nd smallest state population). The state operates 38 active landfills serving 53 counties, with most facilities county-owned and operated. The Bakken oil boom (2008-present) dramatically reshaped waste infrastructure in western regions, creating industrial-scale demands in previously rural areas.

State Waste Laws & Regulations

North Dakota takes the most minimal regulatory approach of any state, emphasizing local control:

• North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ): Division of Waste Management regulates landfills, issues permits, monitors groundwater. Minimal enforcement compared to other states. Focus on facility compliance rather than diversion mandates.
• No State Recycling Requirements: North Dakota has no recycling mandates at state or local level. No diversion goals, no penalties, no reporting requirements. Entirely voluntary approach. State diversion rate estimated ~15% (unofficial - no comprehensive tracking).
• County-Based System: Each county operates independently. 53 counties have 38 active landfills (some counties share facilities). No regional authorities. Counties set own policies, hours, fees, accepted materials.
• Oil Field Waste Regulations: Bakken oil field waste follows separate system under ND Industrial Commission Oil & Gas Division. Produced water, drilling mud, contaminated soil regulated differently than municipal waste. Industrial waste facilities concentrated in Williston Basin.
• No Landfill Bans: North Dakota does not ban any materials from landfills. Yard waste, electronics, appliances all accepted at MSW landfills. Reflects minimal regulation philosophy.
• Agricultural Waste: Farm operations exempt from most waste regulations. Burning permits common in rural areas. Agricultural plastics (chemical containers, silage wrap) managed through voluntary take-back programs.
• Minimal Reporting: Unlike most states, ND does not comprehensively track waste generation, diversion, or recycling rates. Data limited compared to other states.

Cost Analysis

North Dakota waste costs are 20-35% below national averages in traditional areas due to low population density, minimal regulations, and abundant landfill capacity. However, Bakken oil field regions (Williston, Watford City, Dickinson) experience costs 50-120% above state averages due to extreme demand from industrial operations and man camp facilities.

Regional Cost Factors

• Fargo/Cass County: $28-$38/month residential. Largest ND city (125,000 population). Competitive market with Waste Management, Republic Services, local haulers. Best recycling programs in state. Costs reflect urban density and service options. Dumpster rental: $300-$400/week.
• Bismarck/Burleigh County: $25-$35/month residential. State capital (75,000 population). Mix of municipal contracts and private haulers. Growing recycling participation. Lower costs than Fargo reflect less competition. Dumpster rental: $280-$380/week.
• Grand Forks: $24-$34/month residential. University town (58,000 population). City contracts with haulers. UND campus drives some recycling culture. Air Force base generates additional commercial demand. Dumpster rental: $275-$375/week.
• Minot/Ward County: $26-$36/month residential. Air Force base city (48,000 population). Mix of city and private service. Some oil field proximity effects. Dumpster rental: $290-$390/week.
• Williston/Bakken Oil Region: $45-$75/month residential (when available). Extreme costs driven by oil boom. Population surged from 12,000 (2000) to 35,000+ (2014 peak). Man camps house thousands of oil workers. Dumpster rental: $400-$700/week (50-120% premium). Labor shortages, equipment demand, industrial competition drive pricing.
• Dickinson/Watford City (Oil Region): $40-$65/month residential. Similar oil boom impacts. Rapid infrastructure growth. Dumpster costs: $380-$650/week. New landfills built to handle surge.
• Rural North Dakota: $22-$32/month where available. Many rural residents haul own waste to county landfill. Limited curbside service. Long distances to disposal. Some counties charge gate fees ($3-$8/load) instead of monthly service. Dumpster rental: $300-$425/week (higher due to mobilization costs).

Major Waste Service Providers

National Haulers

• Waste Management (WM): Largest ND operator. Serves Fargo, Grand Forks, Minot. Operates landfills in Cass County and other regions. Provides residential, commercial, and roll-off services.
• Republic Services: Strong presence in Fargo metro and eastern ND. Residential and commercial service. Competes with WM in urban markets.
• Waste Connections: Growing ND operations through acquisitions. Serves mid-sized cities and some oil field areas.

Regional/Local Operators

• Bakken Waste Enterprises: Oil field specialist. Serves Williston, Watford City, western ND. Man camp waste management. Industrial containers and roll-offs. Premium pricing for oil field demand.
• Bobcat Sanitation (Bismarck): Local family-owned operator. Serves Bismarck-Mandan area. Residential and commercial. Competitive with national haulers.
• Grand Cities Disposal (Grand Forks): Regional operator serving Grand Forks area. Community-focused service.
• County-Contracted Haulers: Many ND counties contract with small regional operators for specific territories. Family businesses serve rural routes.

Municipal/County Services

• Bismarck Municipal Collection: City provides some direct service in certain neighborhoods. Also contracts with private haulers.
• County Landfills: Most counties operate own landfills. Residents can self-haul. Gate fees: $3-$8 per load typical. Hours limited (often just Saturday in rural counties).

Recycling Programs

Limited Statewide Infrastructure

North Dakota has one of the lowest recycling rates in the nation (~15%) due to rural geography, minimal regulations, and lack of infrastructure investment:

• No Bottle Bill: Unlike neighboring Minnesota and Iowa, ND has no container deposit law. Reduces incentive for beverage container recycling.
• No Mandates: No requirements for residential, commercial, or multi-family recycling. Entirely voluntary.
• Limited MRFs: Few materials recovery facilities. Most recyclables hauled to Minnesota or other states for processing.
• Economic Challenges: Low commodity prices, long haul distances, small volumes make recycling economically challenging in rural ND.

Fargo Area Recycling (Best in State)

• Curbside Recycling: Available through Waste Management, Republic, and other haulers. Single-stream system. Typically $5-$12/month additional charge or included in premium service.
• Curbside Materials: Cardboard, paper, plastic bottles (#1, #2), glass, aluminum/steel cans. Blue bins or carts provided.
• Participation: Estimated 30-40% of Fargo households participate - highest in ND but still lower than national average.
• Cass County Landfill: Drop-off recycling available. Free for residents. Accepts wider range than curbside.

Bismarck Recycling

• Voluntary Programs: Haulers offer recycling as add-on service. Blue bin single-stream collection.
• Burleigh County Landfill: Drop-off recycling center. Paper, cardboard, containers accepted. Free for county residents.
• Lower Participation: Estimated 20-30% household participation. Less emphasis than Fargo.

Other Cities

• Grand Forks: Drop-off recycling at landfill. Limited curbside availability. UND campus has robust recycling but limited city infrastructure.
• Minot: Voluntary recycling through haulers. Ward County drop-off sites. Low participation.
• Oil Field Cities (Williston, Dickinson): Recycling infrastructure overwhelmed by oil boom. Focus on managing trash surge. Limited recycling programs despite high waste generation.
• Rural ND: Minimal recycling. Some counties have drop-off trailers at landfills. Mostly paper/cardboard, aluminum. Low volumes, long distances make programs challenging.

Commonly Accepted Recyclables (Where Available)

• Paper/Cardboard: Newspapers, junk mail, office paper, magazines, cardboard boxes (flattened), paperboard packaging.
• Containers: Plastic bottles/jugs (#1 PETE, #2 HDPE - others often not accepted), glass bottles/jars, aluminum cans, steel/tin cans.
• NOT Typically Accepted: Plastic bags (major contamination issue), Styrofoam, plastic film, food waste, electronics, batteries, hazardous materials, #3-#7 plastics in most areas.

Hazardous Waste Disposal

County Collection Programs

Most North Dakota counties host annual or semi-annual household hazardous waste (HHW) collection events rather than permanent facilities:

• Fargo/Cass County: HHW collection events typically spring and fall. Check Cass County Environmental website for schedules. Free for residents with proof of address. (701) 241-5700. Accepts paint, chemicals, batteries, electronics, fluorescent bulbs, motor oil, antifreeze, pesticides.
• Bismarck/Burleigh County: Burleigh County Landfill operates limited HHW facility. Open select Saturdays (call ahead). 3800 E Divide Ave, Bismarck. (701) 222-1691. Also hosts collection events.
• Grand Forks County: Annual HHW collection day. Usually June. Pre-registration may be required. Grand Forks County Landfill site. (701) 780-8229.
• Minot/Ward County: Ward County hosts HHW events. Check county solid waste department. (701) 857-8750.
• Williston/Williams County: HHW events serve oil field region. High demand from industrial and man camp operations. (701) 774-4181.
• Rural Counties: Most host annual collection days. Contact county offices for schedules. Events often held at county fairgrounds or landfills.

Agricultural Chemical Disposal

• Pesticide/Herbicide Programs: ND Department of Agriculture coordinates agricultural chemical collection. Separate from household HHW. Serves farmers and ranchers.
• Container Recycling: Ag Container Recycling Program collects rinsed pesticide containers. Drop-off events across state. Containers shredded and recycled.

Commonly Accepted HHW Items

• Paint, stain, varnish, solvents, thinners
• Household cleaners, chemicals, pesticides, herbicides
• Motor oil, antifreeze, car batteries, transmission fluid
• Fluorescent bulbs, CFLs, mercury thermometers
• Batteries (alkaline, rechargeable, lithium, lead-acid)
• Electronics, computers, TVs, monitors, printers
• Propane tanks (small BBQ tanks), pool chemicals
• Agricultural chemicals (at specialized ag events)

E-Waste & Electronics Recycling

North Dakota has no e-waste recycling law. Collection relies on voluntary programs:

• County HHW Events: Most counties accept electronics at HHW collection days. Free for residents. Processing varies - some ship to certified recyclers, others landfill.
• Retailer Take-Back: Best Buy accepts electronics at Fargo and Bismarck stores ($30 fee for large TVs). Staples accepts smaller electronics free.
• Landfill Drop-off: Some county landfills have e-waste collection areas. May charge fees. Check local facility policies.
• Scrap Dealers: Metal recyclers accept computers, electronics for copper/steel value. May pay for large quantities. Data security not guaranteed - remove drives first.
• Manufacturer Programs: Dell, HP, Apple, Samsung offer mail-back programs. Shipping costs to consumer in ND (long distances reduce practicality).
• Certified Recyclers: Few in-state. Most ND e-waste shipped to Minnesota or other states for R2/e-Stewards certified processing.

Bulky Item & Special Collection

Bulky waste programs vary widely across North Dakota:

• Fargo: Most haulers offer bulky pickup for $30-$65 per item or load. Call hauler to schedule. Items include furniture, appliances, mattresses. Some seasonal curb collection programs.
• Bismarck: Bulky pickup available through haulers. Fees vary. City hosts spring cleanup days in some neighborhoods. Set out large items on designated dates.
• County Landfills: Most accept bulky items during open hours. Gate fees apply ($5-$15 depending on item/load). Appliances may require freon removal. Self-haul common in rural areas.
• Appliance Disposal: Refrigerators, freezers, AC units require freon recovery (EPA regulation). Most haulers charge $25-$50 additional for freon removal. Scrap dealers often accept for free (they recover freon and recycle metal).
• Oil Field Areas: Bulky pickup extremely limited. Man camps generate high volumes. Residents typically haul to landfill or use roll-off dumpsters.

Yard Waste & Organics

North Dakota's extreme climate creates unique yard waste patterns:

• Short Growing Season: Harsh winters (-40°F common) mean limited yard waste compared to southern states. Peak generation May-October.
• No Landfill Bans: Unlike many states, ND does not ban yard waste from landfills. Most mixed with regular trash or landfilled.
• Seasonal Collection: Fargo, Bismarck offer spring-fall yard waste collection. Set out loose, in paper bags, or bundled. Collected with regular trash or separate yard waste trucks.
• Leaf Collection: Cities with mature tree canopy (Fargo, Grand Forks, Bismarck) offer fall leaf collection programs. Vacuum trucks collect leaves piled at curb (no bags). Usually October-November windows.
• Composting Programs: Very limited. Fargo area has small voluntary drop-off composting. Bismarck exploring pilot programs. Most ND residents compost in backyard or burn (where permitted).
• Tree Limbs/Branches: Cities host spring brush collection. Residents bundle branches (3-4 ft lengths) for pickup. Also accepted at landfills for chipping/mulching.
• Burn Permits: Many rural ND areas allow yard waste burning with permits. Common practice in agricultural regions. City ordinances prohibit in urban areas.
• Free Mulch: Some county landfills chip yard waste and offer free mulch to residents. Limited availability - first-come basis.

Bakken Oil Field Waste Management

The Bakken oil boom (2008-present) created unprecedented waste challenges in western North Dakota:

Man Camp Waste

• What Are Man Camps?: Temporary housing for oil field workers. Trailers, modular buildings, RV parks housing hundreds to thousands. Concentrated in Williston, Watford City, Dickinson area.
• Waste Generation: Man camps generate municipal solid waste similar to small cities but in temporary, unplanned locations. High worker turnover creates irregular waste patterns.
• Collection Challenges: Remote locations, poor roads, extreme weather complicate service. Haulers charge premium rates. Large roll-off containers common. Frequent service needed (multiple times per week).
• Peak vs. Current: Oil boom peaked 2014-2015. Some man camps closed as production matured. Current operations smaller but still significant.

Industrial Oil Field Waste

• Separate Regulatory System: Oil and gas waste regulated by ND Industrial Commission, not DEQ. Produced water, drilling mud, cuttings, contaminated soil follow different rules than municipal waste.
• Specialized Facilities: Industrial waste disposal sites concentrated in Williston Basin. Handle oil field-specific materials not accepted at MSW landfills.
• Municipal Crossover: Oil operations generate standard trash (office waste, cafeteria waste, packaging) handled through commercial MSW haulers at premium rates.

Infrastructure Response

• New Landfills: Williams, McKenzie, Mountrail counties built new landfills or expanded capacity to handle boom.
• Hauler Surge: National haulers expanded into oil region. Local operators formed to serve specific territories. Equipment shortages drove rental costs up 50-120%.
• Labor Challenges: Driver shortages (oil field jobs pay more) forced haulers to increase wages. Costs passed to customers.
• Current State: Infrastructure now adequate but costs remain elevated. Labor and equipment expenses higher than pre-boom levels.

Extreme Winter Waste Challenges

North Dakota's brutal winters create unique waste management complications:

Frozen Waste Issues

• -40°F Average Lows: Coldest state in Lower 48. January averages -15°F to -20°F, with -40°F to -50°F extremes common.
• Frozen Garbage: Waste freezes solid in carts and dumpsters. Difficult to compact in trucks. Reduces truck capacity, increases trips, drives up costs.
• Cart Tipping Problems: Automated trucks struggle to dump frozen waste stuck to cart bottoms. Drivers must manually knock out waste, slowing routes.
• Compaction Challenges: Frozen waste doesn't compress. Trucks fill faster, requiring more frequent landfill trips. Increases fuel costs and route times.

Snow & Ice Collection Delays

• Blizzard Suspensions: Severe weather stops collection. Haulers reschedule to next service day. Rural routes most affected.
• Snow Removal Requirements: Residents must clear snow from cart/bin areas. Failure to clear may result in missed pickup (no refund).
• Narrow Streets: Plowed snow narrows streets. Trucks have difficulty accessing carts. Residents asked to place carts strategically.
• Icy Roads: Truck safety concerns. Routes may be delayed or modified during ice storms.

Equipment Adaptations

• Cold Weather Trucks: Haulers use engine block heaters, auxiliary heaters, winterized hydraulics. Maintenance costs higher.
• Fuel Surcharges: Winter fuel consumption increases 15-30%. Many haulers add seasonal surcharges November-March.
• Cart Design: Wind-resistant lids essential. ND winds (30-50 mph common) blow open standard lids. Latching systems required.

Spring Thaw Surge

• Bulky Waste Explosion: Residents accumulate items in winter, dispose in spring. March-May bulky waste surge. Landfills busiest in spring.
• Yard Waste Begins: Dead branches, winter debris cleared. First grass clippings. April-May collection volume increases.
• Flooding Impacts: Red River Valley flooding (Fargo, Grand Forks) can generate disaster waste. Haulers coordinate special collections.

Commercial Waste Services

No Recycling Mandates

• Entirely Voluntary: North Dakota has no commercial or multi-family recycling requirements. Businesses decide whether to recycle based on economics and values.
• Limited Participation: Estimated 20-30% of ND businesses recycle. Lower than national average due to lack of mandates and infrastructure.
• Fargo/Bismarck Best: Larger cities have more commercial recycling. Offices, hotels, restaurants may recycle cardboard, paper, containers. Service availability better than rural areas.

Commercial Service Costs

• 2-yard Bin: $110-$240/month (1-2x/week service) - Standard areas
• 4-yard Bin: $210-$380/month (2-3x/week service) - Standard areas
• 6-yard Bin: $300-$520/month (3-5x/week service) - Standard areas
• 8-yard Bin: $390-$680/month (3-6x/week service) - Standard areas
• Compactor Service: $600-$1,500/month depending on size and frequency - Standard areas
• Oil Field Commercial: Add 40-90% to above costs in Williston, Watford City, Dickinson regions due to labor, equipment, demand factors
• Recycling Service: Where available, often 15-25% lower than trash rates to incentivize diversion

Oil Field Commercial Challenges

• Man Camp Contracts: Large camp operators negotiate bulk service contracts. Daily or multiple-times-weekly pickup. Large containers (30-40 yard) common. Premium pricing reflects remote locations and service intensity.
• Industrial Sites: Drilling pads, well sites, processing facilities generate commercial waste. Haulers serve at premium rates. Competition with higher-paying oil field jobs drives service costs.

Construction & Demolition (C&D) Debris

• No State Requirements: North Dakota does not mandate C&D recycling percentages or diversion.
• Voluntary Recycling: Some contractors recycle metals, concrete for economic reasons. Minimal policy drivers.
• Materials Recovery: Concrete crushed for road base/aggregate. Metals scrapped. Wood typically landfilled (limited chipping). Drywall, roofing, mixed debris landfilled.
• Disposal Costs: $30-$60/ton at landfills (lower than national average). Economic incentive for recycling minimal. Convenience of landfilling often wins.
• Oil Field Construction Boom: 2008-2015 oil boom created massive C&D waste from housing, infrastructure, facilities construction. Overwhelmed capacity temporarily. Current levels more manageable.
• Dumpster Rental: Standard areas: $275-$425/week for 20-yard. Oil field areas: $400-$700/week. Contractors factor high rental costs into project bids in western ND.

Rural vs. Urban Differences

North Dakota's extreme rural character (779,000 people across 70,700 square miles) creates stark contrasts:

Urban Areas (Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks)

• Curbside Collection: Weekly automated cart service standard. Blue bins/carts for recycling where offered.
• Multiple Haulers: Competitive markets. Residents choose provider. National and local operators compete.
• Recycling Available: Curbside and drop-off options. Voluntary participation. Best infrastructure in state.
• Regular Service: Consistent schedules. Weather delays communicated. Professional operations.

Rural North Dakota

• Self-Haul Common: Many rural residents haul own trash to county landfill. Gate fees $3-$8 per load. Saturday hours typical.
• Limited Curbside: Some rural areas have weekly or bi-weekly collection. Small haulers serve specific routes. Higher costs per household due to distances.
• No Recycling: Most rural counties have no recycling programs. Residents may save aluminum to sell to scrap dealers. Everything else landfilled.
• Burn Permits: Agricultural areas often burn yard waste, paper, non-hazardous materials with permits. Reduces landfill trips.
• Distance Challenges: Some rural residents live 30-50+ miles from landfill. Infrequent trips. Waste accumulates in barns/sheds.

Finding Local Services

How to Identify Your Provider

• Fargo: Competitive market. Choose from Waste Management, Republic Services, local haulers. Shop for best price/service. No city-mandated provider.
• Bismarck: Mix of city contracts and open market. Check city website for authorized haulers. Some neighborhoods have designated providers.
• Grand Forks: City may franchise territories. Contact city public works: (701) 780-8229.
• Other Cities: Contact city hall or county solid waste department to identify authorized haulers or service options.
• Rural Areas: Contact county auditor or solid waste manager. Some counties have contracted haulers. Others fully open market. Self-haul option always available.
• County Landfill Locations: Call county offices for landfill locations, hours, gate fees, accepted materials.

Service Complaints

• Private Haulers: Contact hauler customer service first. File complaint with city/county if franchised provider fails to resolve.
• County Landfills: Contact county solid waste manager or county commission for landfill operation issues.
• ND DEQ: Report illegal dumping, unpermitted facilities, environmental violations via (701) 328-5166 or deq.nd.gov/contact
• Illegal Dumping: Contact county sheriff. Illegal dumping prosecuted under ND Century Code 23.1-08. Fines up to $5,000.

Key Resources

• North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ): Division of Waste Management. deq.nd.gov | (701) 328-5166
• Cass County Environmental Division (Fargo): casscountynd.gov/environmental | (701) 241-5700
• Burleigh County Landfill (Bismarck): 3800 E Divide Ave. (701) 222-1691
• Grand Forks County Solid Waste: (701) 780-8229
• ND Solid Waste Management Association: Industry group. Information on landfills, haulers, regulations.
• ND Industrial Commission: Oil & Gas Division regulates oil field waste (separate from municipal). dmr.nd.gov

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