The vehicles are processed for recycling and proper disposal, which helps keep the groundwater and soils clear of contamination while preserving landscape views of our communities. Missoula Public Health has collected more than 600 vehicles across the county to date.

There is a common misconception that trees within a public road easement “belong to” the County. In Montana, counties do not own the land within the easement, the property owner does; the public merely has the right to use it. This ownership also extends to trees on that land within the easement.

The County, however, has the right and responsibility to maintain public road easements, which includes the removal or trimming of trees if they are a safety or maintenance concern.  Since trees belong to the landowner, the County is required to give them the choice of keeping any material that needs to be removed, or it will be removed from the site.  In practice, this notification is typically extended for actually removing a mature tree and does not include simple limb or small tree removals. If the materials in question appear to be formal landscaping, the County will contact the landowner before taking any action.   

Missoula County Public Works does not pick up dead animals. Republic Services no longer picks up dead deer.

• If the deer is located in the middle of the road, or otherwise poses an immediate human safety concern, call 9-1-1 .
• To dispose of deer yourself, you can drop it off for free at the Missoula Landfill 3737 Coal Mine Road between 7 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
• There are private contractors that will come and remove deer for a fee, including Nature's Best Inc. and Ibey Sprinklers and Landscape.

The property owner is responsible for any furniture, appliances, etc, left on the side of the road. Republic Services will pick these items up, with a fee, if you call them and the item(s) are at your home or left near a dumpster.