RAPID CITY, S.D. — A new weight restriction on the Chapel Lane Bridge is forcing temporary changes to garbage collection for residents in the Chapel Valley neighborhood, according to the city’s Solid Waste division.
The city’s regular garbage trucks are too heavy to cross the bridge, and officials are seeking emergency approval to buy a smaller truck to service the area. The new truck is expected to arrive within six to eight weeks after getting final approval from the City Council.
In the meantime, a smaller rear-load truck will begin collecting garbage the week of Aug. 24. A city crew will be hand-loading the trash, and residents are asked to make several adjustments to their service.
What Residents Need to Know
- Collection days will remain the same.
- Garbage must be placed at the curb by 7 a.m. and can be left out until collected. Pickup may be later than usual.
- Garbage cannot be placed in dumpsters. Instead, residents should leave double-bagged garbage bags directly at the curb.
- Curbside recycling and yard waste pickup are suspended. Residents can drop off recycling and yard waste at any of the city’s three 24/7 collection sites: Fitzgerald Stadium, West Boulevard North, and the Rapid City Landfill.
Residents who use a private hauler, such as Kieffer Sanitation, should contact them directly with questions.
The Solid Waste division is notifying affected residents by letter. Updates will be posted on the Rapid City Solid Waste Facebook and Instagram pages, as well as through traditional communication channels.
“We understand this requires extra effort from residents, and we are grateful for their flexibility as we work to continue reliable service,” said Shane Talbot, Solid Waste Collections Supervisor. “These adjustments are necessary to comply with bridge restrictions and protect the Chapel Valley community.”
For questions, residents can contact Shannon Truax, Public Works Administration Operations Manager, at 605-394-4165, ext. 2425, or via email at shannon.truax@rcgov.org.