Watertown City Council to Review Garbage Hauler License and Solid Waste Ordinance Updates
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown City Council on Monday night will take up the first reading of Ordinance No. 26‑03, a comprehensive update to Chapter 11.04 “Garbage and Rubbish” under Title 11 of the city’s health ordinances. The proposal appears on the regular agenda and is submitted by City Manager Alan Stager.
Because this is a first reading, no action will be taken.
City staff describes the ordinance as an effort to streamline the business license application process for commercial garbage haulers. The changes shift license approval from the City Council to administrative review and add an administrative appeal process for denied licenses.
The ordinance also updates language throughout Chapter 11.04 to reflect current practices in solid waste collection, landfill administration, and commercial hauler regulation.
Key Changes Proposed
Administrative Approval of Garbage Hauler Licenses
The ordinance revises Section 11.0406 to allow the City Manager or designee to approve garbage hauler licenses. Previously, licenses required City Council approval.
The updated section also clarifies:
· License fees remain set by City Council resolution.
· Licenses may be suspended or revoked administratively.
· A new administrative appeal process is available under Section 7.22.
Landfill Administration Updates
The ordinance updates Section 11.0405 to authorize the City Manager to promulgate rules and regulations for landfill operations. These rules must be filed with the Finance Office before taking effect.
Clarified Prohibited Waste Rules
The ordinance reorganizes and clarifies prohibited waste categories, including:
· Hazardous waste
· Liquid waste
· Automotive batteries
· Tires
· Major appliances/white goods
· Construction and demolition debris
It also restates that certain “special wastes” may be accepted if handled according to federal, state, and city regulations.
Commercial Container Requirements
The ordinance updates container requirements for commercial establishments, including hotels, restaurants, bars, drugstores, grocery stores, and educational institutions. Containers must:
· Be approved by the Solid Waste Department
· Be sized to contain all waste between collections
· Have lids that close
· Be accessible for collection
Litter and Business Premises Cleanliness
The ordinance revises Section 11:0403 to modernize the language requiring business owners to keep their premises free of litter and to prevent waste from blowing onto adjoining properties.
Meeting Information
The Watertown City Council meets Monday, September 21, 2026. Ordinance No. 26‑03 is listed on the regular agenda, meaning it will be introduced publicly but not voted on.
