SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO.com) – The Sioux Falls City Council has officially changed the options for garbage pick-up. The city ordinances had required the haulers to pick up the trash from the side of a residence or building, empty it and return it to its original location. During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, the city lifted that requirement to allow for curbside pick-up. That temporary change expired.
Garbage haulers have lobbied for the change because of issues with staffing saying the valet service requires more workers and causes more pollution from emissions because the trucks are stopped longer. The haulers promised they’d still offer the option for valet service.
Several members of the public argued passionately for maintaining the requirement for the valet service. They doubted that haulers would continue to offer the special service without increasing the fees. They argued the city would be dirtier and impose a bigger burden on more vulnerable citizens. Council member Greg Neitzert called the valet service a community standard. He offered an amendment that would keep the current ordinance. The amendment failed 5-3.
Council member Rick Kiley offered an amendment that would require haulers to offer two levels of service, including the valet service. His amendment passed 8-0.
The amendment ordinance passed 6-2.
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