RAPID CITY, SD – The City of Rapid City has implemented changes to its utility billing process and free landfill disposal program this month, aiming to cut costs, boost efficiency, and enhance service for residents in the Black Hills.
The previous system, which printed utility bills on specialized paper with a detachable portion for free landfill disposal, required expensive printers and paper, and relied on outdated processes. Continuing the old format was projected to increase annual costs by up to $50,000.
Starting with October bills, utility statements will arrive on standard paper in plain envelopes. To ensure residents in Rapid City continue to receive their free disposal benefit, the city is introducing a new coupon system. Account holders can request a sheet of coupons, which will cover the same number of free landfill trips they previously accessed via their monthly bills.
“Modernizing our billing system allows us to save taxpayer dollars, provide improved service, and open the door to new options like e-billing,” said Shannon Truax, Public Works Administration Operations Manager.
Instead of presenting a bill at the landfill in South Dakota, customers will hand a coupon to the scale house operator. City Public Works officials noted this change reduces confusion, eliminates the need to present the correct bill portion, and provides the city with better data to track program usage and costs. The new coupon design is also intended to reduce potential for fraud.
Key benefits of the new system include saving the city significant printing and postage costs, preserving the free landfill disposal benefit, reducing customer frustration with misplaced bills, and allowing the city to move toward modern conveniences like e-billing.
“The only change to the program is how you will access it. Everything else is staying the same,” Truax stated. “We expect some overlap between the old process and the new one. We are committed to making the transition happen as smoothly as possible. Through the end of the year, customers can continue to use their old bills to access the free disposal service or request a limited number of coupons to get them through to the end of the year.”
Truax confirmed that beginning in January 2026, only coupons will be accepted for disposal services. Residents with questions about the new billing format or those wishing to request landfill coupons can contact Public Works Support Services by phone at (605) 791-5577 or by email at PW.CitizenSupport@rcgov.org.