What is MT Plastic Free?

MT Plastic Free is a small organization of Montana citizens who are concerned about the health and environmental impacts of plastics. We are working across the state to reduce the distribution of unnecessary, wasteful, and toxic single-use plastics.

Do you focus only on plastics?

Plastics affect many aspects of our lives and environments, and MT Plastic Free is committed to reducing its negative impacts in Montana. However, the Skip the Stuff campaign aims to reduce unnecessary single-use disposable items of all kinds, plastic and otherwise.

I thought Bozeman voters decided to ban plastic?

They did. In November 2024, 63% of Bozeman voters voted to adopt a City ordinance to prohibit businesses from distributing single-use plastic bags and styrofoam containers, as well as limit straws and beverage stirrers by making them “upon request” only. But in December 2024, a Montana Supreme Court decision overturned a previous District Court ruling, thereby nullifying the vote. So even though an overwhelming majority of Bozeman voters wanted it, the City of Bozeman is unable to implement and enforce the Bozeman Plastics Ordinance.

Are plastic bag bans effective?

Yes! On average, bans on single-use plastic bags can eliminate almost 300 plastic bags per person, per year. Researchers have found that plastic bag bans successfully reduce plastic bag litter by at least one-third wherever they have been implemented.

Are other Montana cities working on this initiative?

Missoula volunteers attempted to get the Missoula Plastics Ordinance on the November 2024 ballot, but a number of factors during the summer of 2024 led to them not getting the required number of signatures.

Will there be more initiative attempts?

No. The Montana Supreme Court decision blocked that pathway. The ongoing lawsuit that led to both the initiative attempts and the SupCo decision continues. A courtroom trial regarding whether or not HB 407, a 2021 Montana law that restricts any local action to regulate single-use plastics and other “auxiliary containers,” violates Montanans’ constitutional right to a clean and healthful environment will happen in early 2026.

Whom should I contact if I want to get involved?

Please email mtplasticfreemissoula@gmail.com to get involved with our initiative. Alternatively, you can navigate to the “Get Involved” page on our website and sign up there.