City Announces Holiday Garbage Schedule and Facility Closures

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The City of Watertown has released an updated schedule for solid waste collection and municipal facility hours to help residents plan for the upcoming Christmas holiday.

Solid Waste and Landfill Schedule

The Watertown Regional Landfill will be closed on both Wednesday, Dec. 24, and Thursday, Dec. 25.

While garbage collection will proceed as usual on Christmas Eve, there will be no collection on Christmas Day. Residents who typically have their waste picked up on Thursday should set their containers out on Friday, Dec. 26, for a one-day delayed collection.

Holiday Waste and Tree Disposal

To accommodate the increase in refuse during the season, the city is allowing residents to use their green yard waste containers for extra holiday waste—including wrapping paper—from Dec. 22, 2025, through Jan. 8, 2026.

City officials remind residents that containers must be placed curbside by 5 a.m. on their regular collection day with at least four feet of clearance between bins. After Jan. 8, green containers must be used exclusively for yard waste.

Real Christmas trees will be collected alongside regular garbage service. To ensure pickup, all lights, stands, tinsel, and decorations must be removed. The city noted that artificial trees will not be collected as part of this service.

Municipal Facility Closures

In observance of the holiday, several city offices and facilities will have modified hours:

·   Closed Dec. 24 and Dec. 25: City Hall, Bramble Park Zoo, the Watertown Regional Landfill office, and the Parks & Recreation offices at the Fieldhouse.

·  Watertown Regional Library: Closed from Wednesday, Dec. 24, through Friday, Dec. 26.

·  Prairie Lakes Wellness Center: Open from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Christmas Eve; closed Christmas Day.

The City of Watertown encourages all residents to review these changes and plan to ensure a smooth holiday transition.