Is Recycling Required in Sioux Falls? What You Need to Know About Local, State, and National Rules

When it comes to recycling in Sioux Falls, the rules can feel a bit unclear—especially when you hear about legislation in other states or nationwide. So, what’s required here at home? What’s changing nationally? And how does it all affect what goes in your bin?

Here’s a quick breakdown of where recycling legislation stands today, from the national level down to your curb.

The U.S. does not have a national recycling mandate. While the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets guidance and goals, there’s no federal law requiring individuals or businesses to recycle.

That said, interest is growing in extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation—which would shift more recycling responsibility to the companies that make packaging and products. EPR and “right to repair” policies are gaining attention in Congress and in individual states. If passed, they could help reduce landfill waste, increase recycling access, and improve packaging design nationwide.

In 2020, the EPA set a national goal of reaching a 50% recycling rate by 2030. As of the last available data (2018), the U.S. recycling/composting rate was 32.1%—meaning there’s still a long way to go.

South Dakota does not have a statewide recycling law. The state does not ban specific materials from landfills or enforce mandatory recycling across municipalities. That means recycling rules are typically decided locally—and only one city in South Dakota currently requires it: Sioux Falls.

The most recent statewide data is from 2011, when South Dakota reported an 18.5% recycling/composting rate. There have been no major legislative changes since then.

Sioux Falls is unique in our state because recycling is required by law—for both residents and businesses. This is thanks to a city ordinance that took effect back in 2004 and still governs how recycling is handled today.

Under the recycling law (Chapter 57.):

• Licensed garbage haulers must collect recyclables like cardboard, paper, plastics #1 & #2, aluminum, tin, steel, and more.
• Garbage will not be collected if it contains visible recyclable materials.
• If your trash is rejected for this reason, your hauler must leave a note explaining why it wasn’t picked up.
• Haulers, collectors, and recycling facilities are required to report recycling weights to the City of Sioux Falls.

Because Sioux Falls owns the regional landfill, these rules apply to anyone who uses it—including nearby communities in the 5-county area.

Why This Matters

The rules may vary by location, but the goal is the same everywhere: Keep recyclable materials out of the landfill and put them back into use.

Sioux Falls has the infrastructure in place. What we need now is increased participation and more awareness—especially as contamination and enforcement remain ongoing challenges.

If you’re ever unsure about what belongs in your recycling bin, check out the BINfluencer app or visit MillenniumRecycling.com for the latest resources.

Quick Takeaways:

• Sioux Falls is the only city in SD that requires recycling.
• State law doesn’t require it, and federal law hasn’t passed a mandate—yet.
• You could be denied garbage pickup if recyclables are mixed in.
• Know the “YES” list and recycle right to help your community reduce waste.

Millennium Recycling is proud to help Sioux Falls and surrounding communities recycle right. As the region’s only single-stream recycling facility, we’re here to make it as easy as possible—no sorting needed, just the right items in the bin.

Let’s keep working toward a cleaner, smarter future for all.