Three Local Recycling Myths [Answered]

Recycling Explained

Recycling Really Does Work in Sioux Falls — And It’s Essential to Our Community!

Let’s address the elephant in the room: plastic.

Plastic has given recycling a bad reputation. While some plastics are recyclable, many are not. Manufacturers produce an overwhelming amount of non-recyclable plastic, leaving consumers confused and frustrated. This has led to doubts about recycling’s effectiveness. But here’s the good news: recycling DOES work when we focus on the right materials.

At Millennium, we’re here to set the record straight, bust the myths, and show why recycling is essential for Sioux Falls. Let’s break it down. 


Top 3 Recycling Myths — Busted!

Want to know the truth about recycling? Here are the most common myths we hear locally, paired with facts that prove recycling really works.


MYTH #1: Recycling is pointless!

FACT: Recycling provides proven benefits.

Burying or burning trash may seem like a quick fix, but recycling offers long-term savings and sustainability. At Millennium, we like to go by the “three E’s” to showcase key benefits of recycling — Economy, Energy, and Environment:

  • Economy: Recycling reduces landfill space and costs. Building and maintaining landfills is expensive, but by recycling, we support local businesses like waste haulers, material recovery facilities, and processors. Plus, recycling creates 70 times more jobs than trash disposal, ranging from sorting and maintenance to engineering and sales. Recycling also supplies 40% of raw materials needed for U.S. manufacturing, reducing reliance on imports and strengthening supply chain resilience.

  • Energy: Manufacturing with recycled materials uses significantly less energy than producing from raw materials. For example:

    • Recycling aluminum saves 95% of energy.
    • Recycling paper uses 64% less energy than making it from virgin wood pulp.
    • Even glass and plastic recycling require far less energy than mining and processing raw materials.
  • Environment: Recycling reduces landfill waste, conserving natural resources and preventing pollution. Landfills emit methane gas and leachate, which can seep into groundwater. Even modern landfills eventually fail. Recycling is a proactive way to avoid these environmental risks while reducing the need for more landfills or incinerators.


MYTH #2: Recyclable items don’t actually get recycled.

FACT: When done correctly, recycling works.

It’s true that contamination in recycling bins can create challenges, but when recyclable materials are sorted properly, they get reused effectively:

  • Getting it Right: At Millennium, less than 5% of materials we process on average end up in landfills, compared to the national average of 25%. That’s thanks to efficient sorting, strong end-user partnerships, and educated participants.

  • Contamination Challenges: Items like food waste, yard waste, and hazardous materials (e.g., used needles) can ruin otherwise good recycling batches and even pose risks to workers. This is why clear guidelines and enforcement are essential.

  • Participation Matters: Recycling requires action. Single-stream recycling — where all recyclables go into one bin — has made recycling more accessible, boosting participation rates by up to 500% in some areas. Materials have to make it to the recycling facility to have a chance to be recycled.


MYTH #3: Recycling is too confusing.

FACT: Recycling in Sioux Falls is simple.

If you follow the “Yes List,” recycling can be as easy as throwing something in the trash. Since 2009, our single-stream recycling system has remained consistent, with only minor updates.

  • Keep it Simple: The “Yes List” includes four basic categories, making it easy to sort recyclable materials.

  • When in Doubt, Keep it Out: Unsure if something is recyclable? Play it safe and leave it out. You can always check our website or ask questions on our web form.

  • Consistency: Recycling guidelines have changed very little since the start of single-stream in Sioux Falls. For example, while plastic bags have been the only item to be removed, items like cartons and paper cups have been added.


Sioux Falls: Recycling for a Better Future

Recycling isn’t perfect, but it’s powerful when done right. Despite the challenges of plastic, the items on the “Yes List” are being transformed into new products, fueling a stronger local economy and reducing waste. By sticking to the guidelines and staying informed, Sioux Falls can continue to lead the way in effective recycling.

Let’s focus on what works, bust the myths, and keep recycling as an essential part of our community. Together, we can protect resources, save valuable landfill space, and create a cleaner future for generations to come.