St. Ignace residents who wish to use the city yard waste site at Dock 3 can only do so now by appointment. The city is cracking down on after continuous illegal dumping.

The site is only supposed to be for brush and yard waste, however, since it was not supervised, people have thrown all kinds of trash in the pile, such as bed mattresses, stoves, refrigerators, and even plastic swing sets, said City Manager Gary Heckman. The illegal dumping has led to a citation for illegal waste by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.

As a result, the St. Ignace yard waste site can now be accessed only by calling City Hall to arrange for a city employee to open the gates to the site.

“This way, we’re able to scrutinize what comes in,” said Mr. Heckman.

Dumping brush and other yard waste at the site is still free for St. Ignace residents.

Piles of trash were removed by the city before the September 4 fireworks display at the dock for Michigan Department of Transportation’s 100th anniversary. Debris was moved to the city’s alternate 30-acre yard waste site on Cheeseman Road.

A fee system could be started if the city begins receiving waste from businesses.

To set up an appointment for use of the city yard waste site, call City Hall at 643-9671.