City Provides More Info on New Hours for Yard Waste Site

The City of Madison gave an update Monday on the new operating times for the Madison Yard Waste Site. In a press release, the Public Works Department said they appreciate the public’s input and understand the inconvenience that the restricted hours at the Yard Waste Site have caused.

The Yard Waste Site is permitted through the SD Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Under this permit, the city is allowed to accept branches, garden waste, grass clippings, leaves, pumpkins, branches, and sticks. The Yard Waste Site is available to City of Madison residents only, and no outside dumping or commercial dumping is allowed. Any inappropriate use of this site may cause the City to lose its permit. 

In recent weeks, the city found several inappropriate usages of the facility, including loads of

garbage and various food products dumped at the yard waste site. The city says a DANR representative recommended that the site close entirely for a few weeks.

The Yard Waste Site is now open Monday through Friday, from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM.

The city says they chose those hours because their cameras, which monitor the site, are more effective in daylight. They say the parties involved in the infractions appear to be purposefully dumping the materials at night. City officials add that while this site is not staffed during the day, staff are more likely to visit the site during these hours. 

The release also said the city is considering options for better enforcement of the Yard Waste Site, such as an improved camera system. 

Residents can report any unusual or suspicious activities to the Madison Police Department at (605) 256-7506 or the Public Works Department at (605) 256-7515.