How to Setup Garbage and Recycling Services in Sioux Falls

Recycling Explained

A GUIDE TO RECYCLING AND GARBAGE SERVICE IN SIOUX FALLS

Welcome to Sioux Falls! Whether you’re settling into a new home, starting fresh, or eager to recycle at your business, we’re here to help you navigate recycling and garbage services. Here’s a quick guide to get started:

Step 1: Choose a Licensed Waste Hauler

Before we dive into the details, here’s how it all works:

  • The City of Sioux Falls licenses waste haulers to collect garbage and recycling.
  • Haulers take garbage to the City’s landfill, and recyclables to processors like Millennium Recycling.
  • Millennium processes most of the single-stream recycling in the area.

You’ll need to contact a licensed hauler to set up service. Each hauler sets their own rates, but the City requires:

  • A “pay as you throw” option that rewards reducing waste.
  • At least two service levels (based on volume or weight – see ordinance).
  • A combined rate for garbage and recycling.

Find a Hauler: Click HERE for a list of local haulers offering recycling services. Reach out to any of them to get started.

 

Step 2: Pick Your Services

Licensed haulers must offer at least two levels of service you can choose from:

  1. Curbside Service: You bring your carts to the pickup spot (like the end of your driveway).
  2. Valet Service: Your hauler collects and returns your carts from a spot next to your home.

Most haulers provide carts for trash, recycling, and yard waste. Recycling for residential homes uses a single-stream method (all recyclables in one bin). According to city ordinance, garbage is required to be collected at least once a week and recycling is typically picked up every other week.

Nonresidential sites might have single-stream, dual-stream, or source-separated collection.

Did You Know? Certain recyclables, like paper, cardboard, and plastic containers (#1 & #2), are banned from the landfill. It’s your responsibility to recycle these items so make sure you know what to throw.

Haulers are required to:

  • Inspect materials they collect. If recyclables are visible in trash, they may leave a note and reject the container.
  • Monitor recycling rates and meet 80% of Sioux Falls’ annual goal.
  • At the landfill, the City can also inspect the material to ensure recyclables are not included. If found, the entire load may be rejected and the hauler may be charged for the cost of the inspection.

For Bulky Items like furniture, mattresses, or appliances: Call your hauler in advance to check if they’ll take it and if there’s an extra fee.

Step 3: Start Your Services

Once you’ve chosen a hauler, they’ll deliver your carts and provide a collection calendar (including holiday schedules). On non-collection days, containers must be screened from public view or placed next to your home. On collection days, carts should be at the designated pickup spot without blocking sidewalks or roads.

Pro Tip: Follow the Recycling Yes List for what goes into your bin and keep recycling easy and efficient!

What if I have too much recycling?

If your recycling bin is overflowing, you have a couple of options:

  1. Ask Your Hauler: Most waste haulers offer an extra recycling bin at no additional cost—just give them a call to check if this service is available.
  2. Drop It Off: The City of Sioux Falls Regional Landfill provides a recycling drop-off location for residents. 

Important: Make sure your recyclables are separated from trash before you arrive so they can be placed in the correct area.

What if I have an item to recycle that’s not accepted in the single-stream bin?

There are many local processors that handle materials not allowed in your recycling bin. Here’s a quick list of some common “hard-to-recycle” items and where to take them:

  • Plastic Bags: Drop-off locations at most grocery stores.
  • Pills & Prescriptions: Police station drop-off sites.
  • Sharps/Needles: City pharmacy programs.
  • Yard Waste: Landfill composting program.
  • Appliances & Mattresses: Landfill recycling drop off area.
  • Electronics, Batteries, & Light Bulbs: City Household Hazardous Waste Facility or SEAM.
  • Chemicals & Hazardous Waste: City Household Hazardous Waste Facility.

For a more complete list, visit the BINfluencer website.

 

Still can’t find what you’re looking for? Send us a message, and we’ll help point you in the right direction!