Top 10 Recycling Myths

Recycling Rules

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Let’s debunk some of the most common myths we hear at Millennium Recycling.[/vc_column_text][vc_zigzag color=”turquoise” el_border_width=”15″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1524096927580{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 15px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

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MYTH #1:
Washing recyclables wastes too much water.

Recyclables only need to be emptied and dry — not spotless. Use a spatula or napkin to scoop out the sticky stuff, and if necessary, give it a quick rinse. The cleaner the better, but please, don’t waste water![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1524087515023{padding-right: 50px !important;padding-left: 50px !important;background-color: #11a0c4 !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

MYTH #2:
Doesn’t it take more energy to transport it all?

Even with transportation, recycling saves energy! But there’s more – recycling also reduces the creation of greenhouse gases, generates US jobs, and saves natural resources. When shopping, look for items made with recycled content to make the biggest energy-saving impacts![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1524087508288{padding-right: 50px !important;padding-left: 50px !important;background-image: url(https://www.millenniumrecycling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/pizza.jpg?id=6816) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/2″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

MYTH #3:
Pizza boxes are not recyclable.

Pizza boxes are recyclable, crusts and grease are not! Beware of grease puddles and make sure to remove crusts and scrape cheese off the inside of the box before recycling. If just one half of the box is clean (i.e. the top), rip it off and throw it in the bin.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1524087500815{padding-right: 50px !important;padding-left: 50px !important;background-color: #77c100 !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

MYTH #4:
The recycling arrows mean it’s recyclable, right?

No — not always. Those little arrows refer to the type of plastic the items were originally made from, not how recyclable they are. But most communities can recycle plastic bottles and containers. In Sioux Falls, we accept plastic bottles, tubs and jugs.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1524087494299{padding-right: 50px !important;padding-left: 50px !important;background-image: url(https://www.millenniumrecycling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/caps-2325360_960_720.jpg?id=6886) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/2″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

MYTH #5:
If you put the cap on a bottle it isn’t recyclable.

Keep that cap on! We want to recycle all we can — caps included! Just make sure the container is empty before putting the cap back on.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1524087485744{padding-right: 50px !important;padding-left: 50px !important;background-color: #11a0c4 !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

MYTH #6:
Bag Your Recyclables.

Leave your recycling loose and free! Recyclables should never be bagged inside your bin except for shredded paper so it can be pulled out easier. Everything else should be loose in the bin so it can be sorted out by the equipment.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1524087478522{padding-right: 50px !important;padding-left: 50px !important;background-image: url(https://www.millenniumrecycling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/leaf-2797173_960_720.jpg?id=6804) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/2″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

MYTH #7:
Compostable items can be recycled, right?

No! Composting and recycling happen in different ways. Food waste and compostable serviceware CANNOT be recycled. Compost collection is not readily accessible to most communities, but the City of Sioux Falls offers educational guides and support for backyard composting.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1524087469890{padding-right: 50px !important;padding-left: 50px !important;background-color: #77c100 !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

MYTH #8:
The garbage truck dumped my recycling.

Sometimes haulers use the same trucks for all collection, just with different compartments inside the truck, which can be confusing if you see them dump everything in. Some smaller haulers still do this, so your recycling may in fact be getting the right place, even if they use the same truck. HOWEVER, if you are concerned, PLEASE report the hauler to the City of Sioux Falls so they can investigate.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1524087461522{padding-right: 50px !important;padding-left: 50px !important;background-image: url(https://www.millenniumrecycling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/smartphone-2971064_960_720.jpg?id=6893) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/2″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

MYTH #9:
Electronics can just go in my bin, right?

Wrong! Electronics must go through special processes to make them reusable and should not be mixed in the normal recycling bin. If they do make it in the bin, they must be manually pulled out and can easily cause fires or injure employees if broken. Take residential electronics to the HHW facility for free or bring them to SEAM in Sioux Falls[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row ses_sub_title=”

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MYTH #10:
Recycling is hard.

No, it isn’t! Recycling is just as easy as throwing something in the garbage. Follow the Sioux Falls recycling list of what is accepted and place a recycling container next to your trash can. Anything not on the accepted list, keep it out…anything on it, put it in. If you have a question, ask us![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Do you have a question you need answered? Just ask us! We’re here to help – visit us on Facebook or use our contact form.

(Thanks to the Recycling Partnership for some of the myths listed!)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]