During the recent Billings City Council Work Session, a significant issue regarding the city's landfill operations was brought to light. Council member Debbie highlighted that the city has not been adhering to its own code concerning waste management, particularly in relation to agreements with outside entities.

Jennifer, the acting solid waste superintendent, explained that since the departure of the previous superintendent, she and Debbie have been managing landfill operations. In their review, they discovered that a change made to the city code in February 2014 requires any entity outside of Yellowstone County to have a formal agreement to utilize Billings' landfill services. This was a shift from the previous system, which allowed residents from 16 different cities and counties to dispose of their waste without such agreements.

The implications of this oversight are significant for both the city and its surrounding communities. Without proper agreements in place, the city risks potential legal and operational challenges, as well as financial implications related to waste management services. The council is now tasked with addressing this compliance issue to ensure that all waste disposal practices align with city regulations.

As the council moves forward, they will need to consider how to rectify this situation and what steps to take to re-establish agreements with neighboring jurisdictions. This discussion underscores the importance of effective waste management and regulatory compliance for the health and safety of the community.