The Recycling Law

Recycling Explained

DID You Know it’s the LAW to recycle in ‎Sioux Falls?

Because there is no national law that mandates recycling, local governments often introduce requirements to encourage residents to recycle. The City of Sioux Falls has an ordinance in place that requires both residents and businesses to recycle, and actually bans recyclable materials from the landfill.

According to Chapter 57, it is mandatory for all businesses (no matter what type) and residential units (including apartments) to recycle items such as plastics, metal containers, paper, and cardboard. Every waste hauler who provides garbage services must provide single stream recycling collection at least twice a month for residential homes and all businesses must separate recyclable materials and properly dispose of them at a minimum of twice a month.

The following single stream materials are banned from the landfill. If found, the city may refuse the entire load and charge the cost of the inspection:

  • Office paper
  • Corrugated cardboard and chip board
  • Plastic containers #1 and #2
  • Metal containers
  • Magazines
  • Newspaper
  • Bulk-rate mail

Waste haulers must also meet a specific recycling rate percentage each year. The more you recycle the more you help your hauler. See how your hauler is doing: Hauler Recycling Rates

So why isn’t every business or resident recycling? It’s all about education and enforcement. Many people don’t realize recycling is mandated, and many don’t know how or where to get started. If this is you, please contact us and we will help you find a residential hauler or help you get a recycling program started at your workplace or summer event!
 
If recycling is important to you, tell your public officials so they can increase enforcement. Ask businesses or public events why they’re not recycling. If you let them know they are violating a city ordinance, they may decide to make the change!