1. Being a “BINfluencer” means inspiring others to reduce, reuse, recycle, and rethink their waste to make a positive impact in Sioux Falls and the surrounding communities.

   As Sioux Falls grows, managing our waste Is crucial. By diverting waste through reuse, recycling, composting, and other methods, the lifespan of the landfill can be extended, and the need for expensive expansions or development of new landfill sites can be reduced. Supporting local circular economy organizations, such as thrift stores, recyclers, and scrap dealers, also promotes economic growth and job creation in the community. Waste diversion also significantly lowers the environmental impacts of waste. This includes conserving natural resources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, preventing land and water pollution, and saving energy.

   Ultimately, waste diversion efforts contribute to building a more sustainable future for Sioux Falls, ensuring that the community can thrive for years to come.

In Sioux Falls, waste is picked up from residents by private waste haulers, who bring the trash to the city landfill. Recyclables, on the other hand, are brought to a private Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) for sorting and processing before being sent to manufacturers for reuse. In addition to the regular waste hauler service, the city also runs a yard waste composting program, where compostable materials are brought to the landfill for processing.

Beyond the typical waste and recycling services, there are other programs available for composting and recycling for items that don’t go in your trash, recycling, or compost bins. For example, the city has drop-off sites for electronic waste, household hazardous waste, and sharps. There are also programs for composting food waste and collecting clothing and household items for donation. These programs help divert waste from the landfill and promote more sustainable practices in the community. Learn more about all the programs available “beyond the bin“.

Recycling is an essential practice that provides economic, energy, and environmental benefits:

1. 1. Economy: Recycling helps support the economy by creating jobs and supplying manufacturers with the resources they need. According to the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI), the scrap recycling industry provides over 500,000 jobs in the United States alone! Additionally, recycling supplies approximately 40% of the raw materials needed by manufacturers in the United States. Recycling also saves us money by reducing the amount of waste that gets buried in landfills. Expanding landfills can be costly and often results in negative environmental impacts. By recycling, communities can reduce waste disposal costs and save money.
   2. Energy: Recycling can help conserve energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Using recycled materials in manufacturing processes requires less energy than using raw materials. For example, producing aluminum from recycled materials uses 95% less energy than producing aluminum from raw materials. Recycling also saves energy by reducing the need to extract, transport, and process new raw materials. Recycling can also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by preventing the release of methane from landfills. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that is produced by the decomposition of organic materials in landfills.
   3. Environment: Recycling helps to conserve natural resources and reduce pollution. When we recycle, we reduce the need to extract new resources from the earth, which can have harmful environmental impacts. For example, mining can lead to deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution. Recycling can also reduce pollution by preventing waste from being dumped in landfills, which can contaminate soil and groundwater. In the US, recycling saves the equivalent of over 5 billion gallons of gasoline in energy each year. This is equivalent to taking over 9 million cars off the road for a year.

Bags are not accepted in your mixed recycling bin, and all recyclables should be placed in you bin loose (not bagged). Learn more about how to keep it loose and what else you can do with bags.

It is mandatory for all residents, businesses, and institutions to recycle. City ordinance requires all generators of solid waste to separate and recycle certain materials, including paper, cardboard, glass, aluminum, and certain types of plastics. Failure to comply with the ordinance may result in a fine or other penalties. However, the city focuses on education and outreach to encourage compliance rather than punitive measures.

1. 1. EDUCATE YOURSELF: Learn about the benefits of waste reduction and diversion, and educate yourself on what materials are accepted in recycling, compost, and trash bins.
   2. LEAD BY EXAMPLE: Incorporate sustainable practices into your daily life and set an example for others to follow. Encourage friends and family to join you in these efforts.
   3. SPREAD AWARENESS: Share your knowledge and enthusiasm with others by talking to friends and family about the importance of waste reduction and recycling. Use social media to share facts and statistics.
   4. ENGAGE WITH THE COMMUNITY: Participate in local community events and initiatives that promote waste reduction, reuse, and recycling. Encourage others to join you in making a difference.
   5. ADVOCATE FOR CHANGE: Speak up to local government officials and business owners. Encourage the implementation of policies and programs that promote waste reduction and ask businesses to participate in reducing waste, reusing, and recycling.