Grizzly Disposal Opposes Republic Services’ Attempt To Expand Into East Helena
Author: Lyndsey Medsker, Grizzly Disposal
Grizzly Disposal Opposes Republic Services’ Attempt to Expand into East Helena
Lyndsey Medsker
Grizzly Disposal
Grizzly Disposal & Recycling is urging the Montana Public Service Commission (PSC) to closely scrutinize Republic Services’ bid to acquire Tri-County Disposal’s operations in East Helena.
In a formal public comment, Grizzly outlined Republic’s history of consolidating Montana’s waste industry, eliminating competition, and raising prices for customers while reducing service quality. The company already controls multiple landfills and hauling operations across the state, and this latest acquisition would give them control of yet another critical disposal facility in a region with no competing private haulers.
Grizzly shared evidence of Republic’s anti-competitive practices in Missoula County, including:
* Refusing Grizzly access to the Missoula landfill, forcing 100 tons of waste per day on a 250-mile round-trip haul to East Helena at a cost of $65,000 per month in fuel and maintenance.
* Predatory pricing tactics. Slashing rates for customers only when they attempt to switch to Grizzly, then raising prices once competition is eliminated.
* A federal antitrust complaint filed in 2023 alleging monopolistic behavior and retaliation.
“Every time Republic acquires a local hauler, Montanans lose choice, face higher rates, and get stuck with poor service,” Grizzly said in its filing. “The PSC has a duty to protect the public and ensure fair competition before allowing Republic to tighten its grip on Montana’s waste industry.”
Grizzly is calling on the PSC to investigate Republic’s practices thoroughly before deciding on the transfer of Tri-County’s certificate.
