CONCERNING DROP IN SIOUX FALLS RECYCLING: LOCAL PROCESSOR RESPONDS
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Against a backdrop of continued growth in Sioux Falls, a July 2023 Dakota Scout article, titled “As area population grows, recycling rate falls”, has shed light on a concerning trend: recycling rates in the Sioux Falls area are declining. Millennium Recycling, Inc. (Millennium), the regional single-stream processor, is highlighting this issue to encourage action from city leaders and residents.
A Growing City, A Growing Concern
Sioux Falls has experienced record growth, bringing prosperity and new opportunities, but it has also presented a significant challenge. With population and businesses thriving, the amount of municipal solid waste (MSW) has surged by 16.2% since 2017. Unfortunately, during the same time period, the recycling tonnage has remained stagnant, and the recycling rate has declined by 4.1%. This trend warrants action as it affects landfill capacity, impacts the local economy, and threatens the environment.
Taking Action – A Call for City-Wide Commitment
City government and residents must prioritize recycling and enforce existing ordinances to reverse this downward trend. Comprehensive and consistent recycling education is essential to overcome lack of awareness and misinformation. Millennium advocates for a united effort to ensure proper recycling practices and maximize waste diversion. By spearheading a waste diversion nonprofit, BINfluencer, investing in educational campaigns, and continuing to collaborate with the City of Sioux Falls to advocate for recycling, our goal is to improve how waste is managed in our community.
Empowering You to Make a Difference
Recycling is one of the simplest ways individuals can contribute to sustainability. According to the City’s recent Sustainability Survey, over 92% of respondents support the City increasing recycling efforts. Millennium urges every Sioux Falls resident to join this call to action. Here’s how you can make a difference:
- Check Your Recycling Guide: Refer to the recycling guide provided at SiouxFallsRecycles.org for clear instructions on what goes in your recycling bin.
- Report Landfilling: If you believe your recyclables are being landfilled, report it to the City of Sioux Falls to investigate and ensure materials are being disposed of correctly.
- Keep it Loose: Ensure that you keep your materials loose in the bin, avoiding bagging recyclables, as bagged materials cannot be recycled and may end up in the trash.
- Go Beyond the Bin: Instead of simply placing everything in the recycling bin, take the time to learn where items should go if they can still be reused or recycled outside of your bin. Things like car parts, clothing, toys, electronics, batteries, wood waste, and more all have a place. Check out BINfluencers.org for help.
- Be a #BINfluencer: Educate yourself and influence others about proper recycling and waste diversion. Spread awareness about the importance of recycling and encourage others to join the cause.
Together, Sioux Falls can rise to the challenge to make recycling an essential part of daily life. By taking these actions, we have the power to prevent our landfill from filling up faster than expected, conserve valuable resources, and contribute to the well-being of our city.
ABOUT MILLENNIUM RECYCLING, INC.
Founded in 1999, Millennium Recycling, Inc. is a processor and broker of recyclable material and services a large portion of the Upper Midwest. Millennium is based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and recycles over 100 Million pounds of material per year. To learn more, visit us at millenniumrecycling.com or call us at 605-336-1744.
MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug 10, 2023
CONTACT: Marissa Begley, Director Of Communications & Education
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