
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) recently released its 2024 Recycling/Diversion Report, giving us a look at how much waste is being recycled in the state.
While recycling is still happening, the numbers show a concerning trend—we are throwing away more than ever, and recycling has not kept pace.
Key Takeaways from the Report
The new report provides data on the amount of waste being recycled across the state, but does not estimate a statewide recycling rate or draw conclusions about trends over time. Based on the numbers provided, a few assumptions can be made.
Statewide, South Dakota’s estimated recycling rate has dropped. In 2011, the state reported a recycling rate of 18.5%, but in 2023, with the numbers provided, it’s estimated at just 14.69%—even though the state’s population has grown from 823,740 in 2011 to 919,318 in 2023. More people, more waste—but less recycling. That’s not the trend we want to see, and it raises serious concerns about how we manage resources and landfill space moving forward.
While the state report does not include specific numbers for individual cities, we have local data that provides a comparison. In 2023, the Sioux Falls landfill took in 214,302 tons of municipal solid waste (MSW), while the local recycling facility processed around 40,000 tons of recyclables from the Sioux Falls region. That means for every five pounds of waste thrown away, only one pound was recycled. This highlights the gap between waste generation and recycling participation on a local level.
It’s important to note that the report itself does not draw direct comparisons between past and present recycling efforts and states that no definitive conclusion can be made about trends over time. However, the numbers highlight the need for more comprehensive data collection and continued efforts to increase recycling participation.
Why Is RECYCLING DECREASING?
The decline in recycling rates is likely due to a mix of challenges:
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Not keeping up with population growth. More people in South Dakota means more waste, but recycling participation hasn’t grown at the same pace, leading to more materials ending up in landfills.
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A throwaway culture. More disposable products and packaging are being produced, increasing waste and making it harder to separate recyclables from trash. Many items are now made with mixed materials, making them more difficult to recycle.
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Lack of enforcement and participation. In Sioux Falls and across the state, recycling programs exist, but without stronger enforcement and widespread participation, too many recyclables are still being thrown away.
Recycling in Sioux Falls: A Bright Spot, But We Can Do More
While the statewide numbers are discouraging, Sioux Falls does have a well-established recycling facility with Millennium Recycling that continues to process the materials it receives efficiently. The problem, however, is that too many recyclables aren’t making it there in the first place.
If more residents, multi-housing, schools and businesses took advantage of Sioux Falls’ recycling programs, we could significantly cut down on waste, save landfill space, and strengthen local recycling markets.
We Need More Data to Improve
The last major statewide recycling study before this one was conducted in 2011. While the latest report provides some insight, more regular and comprehensive studies would help give a clearer picture of how South Dakota is managing waste. Understanding what is truly happening with materials across the state could guide future improvements in recycling programs and infrastructure.
How Can We Improve?
If we want to make a real impact, we need to:
Recycle Right – Only put accepted items in the bin to keep contamination low and efficiency high. Check out the Millennium accepted list here.
Encourage Others – Businesses, schools, and individuals can all do better at participating in recycling. If you’re at a sporting event, public place, or apartment building that’s not recycling, start a conversation and connect them to Millennium for resources on how to get started.
Think Before We Toss – A lot of what we throw away could be recycled or reused. Small changes in daily habits can add up. Check out the BINfluencer diversion directory for landfill alternatives.
The Bottom Line
South Dakota’s recycling rates are heading in the wrong direction, and without action, more valuable materials will continue to be buried in landfills. The infrastructure to recycle exists, but it only works if people use it.
Sioux Falls has a strong recycling system in place—but we all need to do our part. Every time we recycle, we reduce waste costs, support jobs, and help keep valuable materials in the economy. The more we participate, the bigger the impact.
If we want South Dakota to improve, we need to step it up. Let’s work toward a future where less goes to waste and more gets put back to good use.