Landfills & Dumps in South Dakota

South Dakota's solid waste management is regulated by the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) Waste Management Program under South Dakota Codified Law (SDCL) Chapters 34A-6 for solid waste and 34A-11 for hazardous waste, along with the Administrative Rules of South Dakota (ARSD). The Solid Waste Section oversees storage, treatment, and disposal of solid waste including municipal landfills, construction and demolition sites, composting operations, and transfer stations.

Individuals, government entities, businesses, and industries are required to obtain permits only if they own or operate a solid waste facility. Farmers and ranchers may dispose of domestic waste on their own property without a permit under specific conditions: the waste must be generated on their property, disposal must not threaten human health or the environment, and it must not unduly pollute air or state waters.

State law SDCL 34A-6-67 prohibits landfilling of yard waste, lead-acid batteries, waste motor oil, and white goods (large appliances), with these bans taking effect in 1995. Landfill fees range from $20 to $40 per ton, with residential self-haul typically costing $10 to $25 per pickup load. Sioux Falls and Rapid City area facilities may have different rates, and some communities include disposal costs in utility bills.

DANR issues several types of solid waste permits including the Restricted Use Solid Waste Disposal Facility General Permit (GPRU 23-01) and the C&D Debris Disposal Facility General Permit (GPCD 23-02). The South Dakota Solid Waste Management Association supports operator training and certification, urging continued state funding for landfill operator training programs. The association also advocates that funds from solid waste per-ton fees and tire fees remain dedicated to disposal, recycling, and waste tire cleanup activities.

Tribal nations including the Oglala Sioux, Rosebud Sioux, and others operate their own waste management systems with regulations that may differ from state requirements. Non-tribal members should contact tribal environmental offices about disposal access and fees. As of January 2025, DANR and EPA penalties can reach $93,058 per violation per day for waste management violations. Before visiting any facility, contact DANR or the facility directly for accepted materials, fees, and operating hours.