FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Millennium Recycling to Close Public Recycling Drop-Off Bin Due to Misuse
SIOUX FALLS, S.D., October 11, 2024 – Millennium Recycling, Inc. announces the closure of its free public recycling drop-off bin at the end of 2024.
The recycling drop-off, available to the community since 1999, was intended to make recycling more accessible for Sioux Falls residents. Unfortunately, increasing issues with illegal dumping and contamination have made it difficult to maintain the service.
“The drop-off site was created to encourage responsible recycling in the community, but it has become a dumping ground for non-recyclable trash,” said Shannon Dwire, President of Millennium Recycling. “As a small business, the rising costs of managing contamination and trash removal have forced us to make this difficult decision. We understand this will be disappointing to those who used it properly, but the situation has become unsustainable.”
Over the past year, Millennium Recycling has made significant efforts to improve recycling education. The company launched an educational trailer, hired an Outreach Coordinator to lead facility tours, and invested heavily in social media and online marketing to promote responsible recycling. Despite these efforts, the issues at the public drop-off site persisted.
“Last year, we ran a major campaign to raise awareness about proper recycling, but unfortunately, the contamination issues continued,” Dwire explained. “While the city-operated landfill has become more widely used, there has been limited financial support for recycling education. This has made it challenging for a private company like ours to manage both recycling services and public education.”
Alternative Recycling Options for Residents:
1. Private Haulers: Residents and businesses currently using the drop-off bin are encouraged to work with a licensed waste hauler for curbside recycling pick-up services.
2. Public Recycling Drop-Off Locations: Millennium Recycling has asked the City of Sioux Falls to consider establishing public recycling drop-off locations. Residents who support the idea are encouraged to contact the city to express their interest in this public service.
3. Recycling at the Landfill: The Sioux Falls Regional Landfill continues to accept recyclable materials if separated from regular trash. This remains an option for residents needing to drop off recyclables.
4. Commercial and Large-Quantity Recycling: Millennium Recycling will continue to accept larger quantities of recyclables from businesses and individuals. Those with large volumes of recyclables are encouraged to contact Millennium to explore delivery options.
“While we are disappointed to close this service, we remain committed to supporting recycling in Sioux Falls,” Dwire added. “We will continue to promote responsible recycling practices and provide solutions for large-quantity recycling needs.”
For more information, or to discuss commercial or bulk recycling services, please contact Millennium Recycling at millenniumrecycling.com/contact.
ABOUT MILLENNIUM RECYCLING, INC.
Based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Millennium Recycling, Inc., has been a leading processor of recyclable materials since 1999. Each year, Millennium recycles around 100 million pounds of material, helping communities across the Upper Midwest reduce waste. Learn more at MillenniumRecycling.com.
Media Contact:
Marissa Begley
605.336.1744
marketing@millenniumrecycling.com
www.millenniumrecycling.com
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