This video explains the problem the recycling industry is facing.
Recycling can be confusing — and it’s not just because of individual behavior.
Many packaging labels use recycling symbols or claims that suggest an item is recyclable, even when it cannot be processed through local recycling systems. This creates confusion for residents who want to recycle correctly but don’t always have clear or accurate information.
A video included below highlights how national recycling labels and messaging can add to this confusion. While the examples shown are broad and vary by region, the takeaway is an important one: recycling rules are local, and what works in one community may not apply in another.
Key takeaways
- Packaging labels can be misleading.
Recycling symbols on packaging do not guarantee an item is accepted in local recycling programs. What matters most is whether a material can be sorted, baled, and sent to an end market. - Plastic causes the most confusion.
Not all plastics are recyclable, even if they display a recycling symbol. Acceptance depends on the type of plastic and whether there is a reliable market to process it. - Recycling works best when everyone plays a role.
Individuals don’t control packaging design, but they do play an important role by following local recycling guidelines and keeping contamination out of the system. - Always follow local recycling rules.
What can be recycled varies by community and depends on nearby processors, material markets, and equipment at the recycling facility. Some materials shown as “not recyclable” in national examples may be accepted locally, while others are not. As recycling markets and technology evolve, accepted materials may change — checking local guidance is always the best approach.
What you CAN recycle in your mixed recycling bin in Sioux Falls and surrounding communities
👉 What Goes in the Mixed Recycling Bin
https://www.millenniumrecycling.com/singlestream/
If something isn’t accepted in the mixed recycling bin, check with other local processors to see if there is a drop-off or specialty recycling option. The mixed bin is not a catch-all. Many local organizations work together to divert materials from the landfill and keep recyclable material clean and market-ready.
👉 View the Waste, Reuse & Recycling Directory
https://thebinfluencers.org/app
Have a Recycling Question? Contact Us!