Rapid City public‑works staff presented proposed changes to sanitation fees Tuesday, explaining the operational and regulatory drivers behind higher residential and commercial charges and discussing program options to control costs.

Staff said recycling operations constitute nearly one‑third of the monthly charge for a residential customer and noted the city does not currently operate at full capacity at the recycling facility. Staff outlined several options under consideration: scaling recycling operations where economically sensible (for example recycling higher‑value materials such as metals), working with the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources on diversion alternatives to meet permit obligations, converting the yard‑waste curbside program from disposable brown bags to a subscription tote service to reduce labor intensity, and increasing commercial tipping fees so those generating the bulk of landfill inputs bear more of the cost.

Public‑works staff said roughly 15% of customers currently use yard‑waste brown bags, creating inefficiencies by requiring trucks to run the entire route. The proposed subscription model would allow the city to pick up yard waste more efficiently and offer optional paid service for customers who want curbside pickup, while retaining remote drop‑off sites.

After discussion, the council considered motions and adopted a substitute motion to move the resolution forward without recommendation by voice vote. The resolution in the meeting packet (Resolution 2025‑125) lists the amended sanitation fees as charged starting Jan. 1, 2026; council action Tuesday forwarded the proposal for further processing rather than final adoption at this meeting.