Millennium Recycling Inc. Solutions for the Next Generation

Frequently Asked Questions About Single Stream Recycling

 

Simply put, Single Stream Recycling is placing all traditionally accepted household recyclables into one container mixed together versus separating them into multiple categories. It is the difference of saving your items in 1 container rather than many.

 

By eliminating sorting, recycling becomes easier and increases participation and recovery rates. In many communities, recycling has increased 30% or more by switching to Single Stream Recycling. Single Stream also reduces collection costs because haulers can use single compartment trucks that can be compacted as opposed to specialized multi compartment vehicles that are more costly to operate. Over time this greatly reduces the energy required to collect the material.

 

Sorting is never a bad thing, but this program makes participation easier for residents and the new state of the art sorting technology is extremely effective in sorting mixed streams. One reason people have resisted participating in recycling programs has been because it was time consuming and a pain to separate. By eliminating these steps we have increased the amount of material that gets collected without sacrificing quality of the end product.

 

No. We have the latest in sorting technology at Millennium Recycling. Since we began our single stream program, the amount of material that we send to the landfill has actually decreased. The system is very effective in completely sorting the materials and we have quality control systems in place to make sure that nothing is missed. 

 

No.  The value of the material is the same as before single stream.  We market to the same mills and end users as we always have.  We have taken on the sorting responsibility from the generators and haulers. This is where the distinction between the rebate of single stream and the separated materials lies.

 

Yes. Our system is very effective in handling glass. Presently we are only able to take bottled and jar glass. No window, ceramics, dish, container or mirrored glass is permitted at this time.

 

Not in our system. Other single stream recycling centers have had issues with glass mixing with other items, but our system was specifically designed to handle glass and to extract glass away from the other commodities, especially newspapers. We have no contamination issues with glass.

 

Possibly. It certainly should provided your hauler is offering volume based rates as they should be as required by ordinance.

 

Yes. It is required by Sioux Falls ordinance.

 

It depends on the material contained in the recycleable container.  For food and beverage containers we do ask that any remaining liquid or substance that is in the container at least be completely removed and the container is dry before recycling.  If the container contained a chemical it MUST be triple rinsed before we can take it.  If the container held a hazardous material (including pharmaceutical waste) then we cannot recycle the container.  If you have any further questions please email or call us.

 

No.

 

Landfill space is filling up. The Public Works Department projects that our landfill will reach its capacity somewhere between 2050-2060. While that does seem far off, it really isn’t, and that estimate could be altered as the City grows. It is tremendously expensive to cite a new landfill and to close an existing one. Your garbage rates will continue to increase as the landfill fills up. Why landfill when there are markets for these materials? You may save on your garbage bill and you will help save the City valuable resources and conserve energy. 

 

Many people have come forward and stated they recycle now because it is easier. Many have also expressed how they recycle much more because there isn’t a storage issue or there isn’t an extra step to take. The amount of materials we are receiving is growing all the time. 

Singlestream has also been implemented into businesses that before weren’t able to afford sorting options, only recycled higher rebated items, or were only offered recycling for higher rebated items.

 

What many do not know is that City ordinance requires all garbage haulers offer recycling as part of their service. There are several garbage haulers in Sioux Falls that provide excellent service to this community as well as offer you the options, such as singlestream, that you deserve. We strongly suggest that you consider using our preferred haulers!

 

Currently we provide a free 24x7 drop off container in front our our building at 305 E 50th Street North. The container is labeled with information listing what items are allowed in Single Stream and which are not.

 

We have free drop off for most items. We only charge fees for specialty items, anything that may be labor intensive, or for electronics. These items are only accepted during business hours.