No Fireworks or Firecrackers in Your Bin!

Jul 2, 2025 | Recycling Explained

Fireworks DO NOT belong in your Sioux Falls recycling bin. It’s important to dispose of fireworks in the safest way possible to prevent harm to yourself and others after you’ve disposed of them.

How To Dispose Of Fireworks and Firecrackers (NOT in  your recycling bin):

  • Make sure all fireworks are completely extinguished and no longer warm before trying to collect them.
  • Remove the fuse and soak them in a tub of water overnight.
  • Fireproof containers are recommended but at the very least, double bag them before placing in the trash.
  • You can bring unexploded fireworks or firecrackers to the Sioux Falls Household Hazardous Waste Facility to ensure they are properly disposed (See more information here).

Tips for Easier Cleanup:

  • Use fireworks in one area so clean-up is isolated and not scattered around your property (preferably on a hard smooth surface).
  • Use a broom to sweep all of the remains into a pile.
  • Don’t let the mess sit out over night, chemical dust and ash can easily blow and scatter through your neighborhood.

DO NOT RECYCLE USED OR UNUSED FIREWORKS IN YOUR BIN

Although fireworks may be made from some recyclable materials, the danger and effort involved in separating that small part of paper or metal does NOT justify the risk. Please keep your waste hauler and our recycling employees safe and dispose of fireworks and firecrackers properly.

Happy 4th of July everyone! Be smart and be safe!

 

 

See Recycling in Action This May — Millennium Recycling Joins National Tour Initiative

May 8, 2025 | Community Recycling News

Millennium Recycling, we believe that seeing is believing. That’s why we’re excited to announce that we’ve been selected as one of the featured facilities in the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR)’s Recycling in Action Month this May!

Throughout the month, material recovery facilities (MRFs) and plastic recycling facilities across the country are opening their doors to show how recycling really works—what happens after you put items in the bin and how those materials are sorted, recovered, and turned into new products.

We’re proud to represent the Sioux Falls region as one of the stops on this nationwide tour.

Why It Matters

Most people know the basics of recycling, but understanding why some things can be recycled and others can’t—and what actually happens to those materials—can make a big difference.

By offering behind-the-scenes tours this month, we hope to:
✔ Show the technology that separates materials efficiently.
✔ Explain how contamination can disrupt recycling.
✔ Highlight the environmental and economic benefits of recycling locally.
✔ Rebuild public trust that recycling does work—and is making an impact right here in Sioux Falls.

Book a Tour

Whether you’re a resident, educator, local leader, or business group, we invite you to schedule a tour and see the process up close.

Book your spot here: millenniumrecycling.com/education

Tours are available throughout May (and really anytime!), but this month they’ll be part of the larger Recycling in Action national campaign. Spots fill quickly, so be sure to reserve early!

Let’s Keep Materials Out of the Landfill

By participating in this national effort, we’re not just showcasing our facility—we’re helping to grow understanding, reduce contamination, and build a stronger circular economy that keeps valuable materials out of the trash.

Thank you for supporting recycling in Sioux Falls and beyond. Let’s keep working together for a cleaner, more sustainable future!

 

Book a Tour

Press Release: Become a Recycling Influencer with the Free Sioux Falls BINfluencer App

Apr 22, 2025 | Community Recycling News

Become a Recycling Influencer with the Free Sioux Falls BINfluencer App

Because landfills don’t need more followers.

Sioux Falls, SD – April 22, 2025 – Just in time for Earth Day, local nonprofit BINfluencer has launched a free mobile Waste Diversion App designed to make recycling easier and reduce landfill waste across Sioux Falls and surrounding communities. This tool helps users become “BIN-fluencers” by providing quick, clear answers about what to recycle, where to take items that don’t belong in the bin, and how to support local donation and reuse programs.

“People want to recycle right, but it can be confusing if you’re new to Sioux Falls or just aren’t sure what goes in the bin,” said Marissa Begley, BINfluencer board member. “This app makes it easy to figure it out—no more guessing.”

What the App Does

The locally based app, simply called “BINfluencer,” is available now on the Apple App Store and as a web tool at BINfluencer.org. It will be launching soon on Google Play—Android users can access the full search tool through the website in the meantime.

With just a few taps, users can:

  • Search any item to see if it can be recycled curbside
  • Snap a photo to identify items using the app’s visual search tool
  • Get disposal instructions based on local guidelines
  • Find reuse, drop-off, or donation locations for items that don’t belong in the bin
  • Support local organizations while keeping valuable materials out of the landfill

Be a BINfluencer

The app is being embedded on local recycling and hauler websites to promote consistent education across the region. BINfluencer encourages schools, nonprofits, haulers, businesses, and city governments to share the tool and help spread the word.

“This tool was made for our community,” said Stephanie Gongopoulos, BINfluencer Board President. “We’re just getting started, and we’d love to feature more local partners and grow the impact together.”

Earth Day Giveaway

To celebrate the launch, BINfluencer is hosting a special Earth Day giveaway! Residents who use the app or web tool to solve a recycling riddle and submit their entry by April 30 will be entered to win a $250 Washington Pavilion gift card—good for shows, exhibits, and more.

Simply searching for the correct item will reveal a secret code word needed to enter. Full details and entry form are available at www.BINfluencer.org.

To learn more—or if your organization offers donation or recycling services and would like to be listed in the app’s directory—visit BINfluencer.org.

About BINfluencer

BINfluencer is a Sioux Falls-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to creating a sustainable future and a more circular economy by reducing landfill waste in Sioux Falls and the surrounding region. The organization partners with public and private entities to identify barriers, develop solutions, and provide comprehensive education that influences the community to reduce, reuse, recycle, and rethink waste.

Shannon Dwire: Leading Recycling Forward

Mar 9, 2025 | Community Recycling News

At Millennium Recycling, we believe that strong leadership and innovation go hand in hand when it comes to making recycling more efficient and effective. That’s why we’re excited to share this incredible feature from Waste Robotics, highlighting our President, Shannon Dwire, and her impact on the recycling industry.

Embracing Change, Driving Innovation

Recycling is constantly evolving, and Shannon has been at the forefront of bringing new technology to Sioux Falls to improve efficiency and material recovery. Through our partnership with Waste Robotics, we’ve integrated advanced automation into our system, enhancing sorting accuracy, reducing contamination, and ensuring more materials get a second life.

More Than Recycling—It’s About People

Shannon’s leadership extends beyond technology—she is a passionate advocate for second-chance hiring, creating opportunities for individuals looking to rebuild their lives. At Millennium, we know that investing in people is just as important as investing in innovation.

Why It Matters

Recycling works—and with strong leadership and the right technology, it keeps getting better. Thanks to partnerships like the one with Waste Robotics, and Shannon’s commitment to pushing the industry forward, Sioux Falls continues to benefit from a strong, efficient, and evolving recycling system.

We’re grateful to Waste Robotics for recognizing Shannon’s leadership and sharing her story.

Honoring Baby Gabriel: A Tragic Loss Sparks Change

Mar 7, 2025 | Community Recycling News

Last August, our team at Millennium Recycling experienced something no one should ever have to—a baby boy, later named Gabriel James Doe, was found at our facility. It was a tragic and difficult moment for all of us. But in the face of heartbreak, Sioux Falls did what it does best: it showed up with kindness, compassion, and action.

The community came together to honor Baby Gabriel, ensuring he was not forgotten. Hundreds attended his funeral and vigil, a testament to how deeply his story touched people’s hearts. And out of this loss came an important conversation: how do we make sure something like this never happens again?

Last week, the South Dakota Legislature passed HB 1044, allowing newborn safety devices to be placed at emergency service and child placement agencies. These devices will provide a safe, anonymous option for parents in crisis—ensuring that babies are placed in immediate care and that families have a choice when they feel they have none.

There are no new updates in the investigation, but one thing is clear: Baby Gabriel’s life mattered. His story has led to real change, and if it helps even one child in the future, then his memory will live on in the most meaningful way.

We want to thank everyone for their overwhelming support through this. It’s a reminder that while we may not always have control over what happens, we can choose how we respond. And this community—our community—chooses to respond with heart.

If you or someone you know needs help, there are resources available. No one should ever feel alone in a situation like this.

More info here.

Why “Mixed” Packaging Isn’t Recyclable (And What You Can Do About It)

Mar 5, 2025 | Recycling Explained

At Millennium, we’re proud to process a wide variety of materials, including items like cartons, glass, and pizza boxes that other facilities might not accept.

But  many other types of “mixed-material” packaging are a challenge not just for us, but for recycling facilities across the country.

What Are Mixed-Material Items?

Mixed-material items combine different materials—like paper, plastic, and metal—into one product. While the materials might be recyclable on their own, when they’re fused together, they become nearly impossible to separate.

Some common examples include:

  • Pringles, refrigerated dough, and nut cans: A mashup of metal, foil-lined cardboard, and plastic.
  • Coffee bags, chip bags, other sealed foil bags: Layers of paper, foil, and plastic keep your coffee or chips fresh, but they can’t be separated for recycling.
  • Kids juice and sauce pouches: Shiny, crinkly, and made from plastic and metalized foil.
  • Toothpaste tubes: A mix of plastic and aluminum that’s tightly bonded.
  • Blister packs (for pills): Plastic trays fused with foil seals.

Why Can’t They Be Recycled?

Recycling is all about creating uniform streams of material that can be processed in bulk. When items are made of mixed materials, they create problems:

  1. They Can’t Be Separated: Most recycling facilities don’t have the technology to pull apart tightly bonded layers.
  2. They Contaminate Batches: Mixed-material items can compromise the quality of otherwise recyclable materials.
  3. They Cause Equipment Issues: The combination of materials can clog or damage sorting equipment.

What About Cartons?

Here’s the good news: cartons are an exception! At Millennium Recycling, we can recycle:

  • Juice boxes
  • Milk and soup cartons (even shelf-stable ones)
  • Frozen food boxes

To recycle these properly, just make sure they’re empty and rinsed, and toss the caps and straws in the trash.

How to Handle Tricky Mixed-Material Items

So, what do you do with all those other mixed-material products? Here are a few tips:

1. Choose Smarter Packaging

When shopping, look for products with recyclable packaging. For example, choose paperboard boxes over foil-lined bags.

2. Separate What You Can

Some mixed-material items can be partially recycled if you take them apart:

  • Refrigerated dough containers: Remove the metal ends and recycle them. The foil-lined paper tube, unfortunately, goes in the trash.
  • Peanut cans: If the metal base comes off, recycle it. The foil-lined sides and plastic lid are not recyclable.

3. Stay Informed

Check out your local recycling guidelines (or use the simple BINfluencer search tool!) to learn what’s accepted in the Sioux Falls area and surrounding community. The rules can vary depending on where you live.

Why It Matters

Mixed-material packaging is everywhere, but making small changes can have a big impact. By choosing recyclable packaging and properly sorting your waste, you’re helping reduce contamination, improve recycling efficiency, and keep more materials out of the landfill.

Sioux Falls Recycling: Declining, But Not a Lost Cause

Feb 20, 2025 | Community Recycling News

Thank you to KELO and Sioux Falls Simplified bringing attention to the decline in recycling in Sioux Falls!

While it’s true that recycling rates have dropped, it’s important to remember that recycling still makes a difference—and it works when people do it!

Why Recycling Matters Locally

  1. Extends the Life of Our Landfill— More recycling means less landfill waste, saving taxpayer dollars by delaying costly expansions—which can run into the millions of dollars. When landfills fill up faster than expected, disposal costs increase for everyone.
  2. Supports the Economy— Recycling keeps valuable materials like aluminum, steel, and paper in use instead of relying on expensive imports. When we throw recyclables away, we waste resources that could be turned into new products—using more energy and increasing demand for raw materials.
  3. Protects Resources & Reduces Costs— If we don’t increase recycling now, we’ll face higher costs, lost resources, and a landfill that fills up years sooner than planned.

The Reality: More Waste, Less Recycling

You can recycle paper, cardboard, glass bottles and jars, metal cans, and plastic bottles, tubs, and jugs in your recycling bin. At Millennium, these materials DO get recycled and turned into new products. Yet over the past decade, we’ve seen the recycling rate drop, while the population grew by 17%. That means that, per person, we’re recycling less than before.

Meanwhile, landfill waste has grown by 40%—more than twice as fast as population growth. As a result, the Sioux Falls landfill’s projected closure date has shrunk by 10 years, from 2082 to 2072. That’s a major loss of time, space, and resources.

A huge amount of recyclable material is still ending up in the landfill. If we want to extend the life of our landfill, keep costs down, and reuse valuable materials, we need to increase participation in recycling—especially in high-waste areas.

What’s Causing the Decline?

  • Lack of Participation— Apartments, businesses, and public venues generate a massive amount of waste, yet many don’t recycle at all. Sioux Falls requires recycling, but without consistent participation, thousands of tons of recyclables never make it into the system.
  • Lack of Enforcement & Accountability— Sioux Falls has a recycling ordinance, but who is responsible for making sure it happens? The city? The haulers? The businesses? The conversation has gone in circles for years with no clear solution—while recyclable materials continue to be buried in the landfill.
  • Public Misinformation & Doubt— Many people question whether recycling actually works or even matters. The reality? It does. Glass, metal, paper, cardboard, and high-quality plastics are in demand and get turned into new products. At Millennium, we focus on efficiency—we only accept materials that can be reused, and less than 5% of what comes through our doors is actual trash.

How We Can All Help

  • Recycle Right: Stick to accepted materials to keep contamination low and efficiency high. Check Millennium’s accepted list to ensure you’re recycling correctly.
  • Speak Up: If your apartment, workplace, or a local venue doesn’t recycle, ask why. Many businesses and property managers don’t realize what’s required or how to get started. Our team is here to help.
  • Think Before You Toss: Many items can be reused, donated, or recycled instead of going to the landfill. The BINfluencer waste directory helps people find better disposal options.
  • Be a Voice for Change: Let your local representatives know that recycling matters. Stronger policies, better education, and more resources can make a difference—but only if leaders know it’s a community priority.

    The Solution? More Participation & Accountability

    Sioux Falls has the infrastructure to recycle—but participation needs to improve. When more residents and businesses recycle correctly, we reduce landfill waste, extend its lifespan, and keep disposal costs lower for everyone.

    Community officials also play a key role. Some communities we serve actively educate and enforce recycling efforts, while others take a hands-off approach. The difference? Stronger education and enforcement lead to better participation and less waste. Sioux Falls has an opportunity to set the standard and ensure more recyclables end up where they belong.

    At Millennium, we’re committed to expanding recycling education through BINfluencer by:

    The more people understand how recycling works, the better we can all do. Recycling is NOT a lost cause—it’s a solution we all need to be part of.

    Online Shopping: How to recycle the packaging?

    Feb 16, 2025 | Recycling Explained

    Online shopping produces multiple layers of packaging and shopping waste, leaving you with a lot to clean up.

    Here’s what you can & CAn’t recycle in your recycling bin from your shipping boxes:

    Cardboard - YES

    All cardboard from shipping and product packaging can be recycled. Just make sure it’s empty of other materials (no foam or plastic). This includes the shipping box, cardboard pieces inside the package, and product boxes. Flatten the box to save space in your bin and make sure nothing is left inside.

    PACKING PAPER & NON-PADDED ENVELOPES - YES

    Most of the paper in your packaging can by recycled, including brown or white packing paper, plain tissue paper, receipts, marketing flyers, and receipts printed on plain paper. **Any labels or receipts printed on large sticker, adhesive or label paper, please keep out.**

    Hard Plastic Trays and Shells - NO

    Plastic “shells” that fit around the product or hard trays that hold it cannot be recycled in your bin. Single stream recycling equipment cannot sort it out properly. Though there is an industry push to come up with solutions to recover this material, it is not currently accepted. Check with the retailer your purchased  from if they offer a mail-in program instead.

    Bubble Wrap and Air Pillows - NO

    You can’t recycle it in your recycling bin, but bubble wrap can be brought to plastic bag drop off sites typically at grocery stores or big-box retailers. Find a drop-off site in your area and learn why it can’t go in the bin here.

    PLASTIC AND PADDED PAPER ENVELOPES - NO

    Just like bubble wrap, plastic “film” envelopes are not recyclable in your bin. Padded paper envelopes are also a No as they are lined with bubble wrap that cannot be easily separated from the outside paper packaging.

    Styrofoam Sheets, Blocks, Peanuts, Beads - NO

    Polystyrene is difficult to contain and is not made for the single stream sorting process. Reuse it or find a mail-in recycling program instead.

    Plastic Bags - NO

    Many retailers use plastic bags to contain clothes and other items. Like bubble wrap, plastic bags can be brought to plastic grocery bag drop off sites but are not accepted in your bin. Find a drop-off site in your area and learn why it can’t go in the bin here.

     

    When in doubt, keep it out. Check out the recycling guide here with a list of everything that can be recycled in your Sioux Falls recycling bin.

    How Clean Does Recycling Need to Be?

    Feb 9, 2025 | Recycling Explained

     

    Recycling is easy—but only if we do it right! Leftover food, liquids, and chemicals don’t belong in the recycling bin.

    But don’t worry—you don’t need to scrub everything spotless! Here’s a simple guide to how clean your recyclables really need to be…

    1. The Empty & Clean Rule

    Before tossing something in the recycling bin, follow this rule:

    1. Dump out all liquids (a dry container is best!).
    2. Scrape out food using a spatula, napkin, or spoon.
    3. Give it a quick rinse if needed—a swish of water is usually enough.

    *Pro Tip: If a container has so much peanut butter left that you could make another sandwich, it’s too dirty to recycle!

    See the full list of what’s accepted in Sioux Falls recycling bins here

    What About Food Waste?

    Food belongs in compost or the trash—not in your recycling bin! Here’s how to reduce waste at home:

    What About Cleaning & Chemical Bottles?

    Many cleaning product Bottles can be recycled, but hazardous chemicals CANNOT.

    If you’re recycling a chemical container, please protect our team:

    1. Triple rinse it (fill with water, shake, empty—repeat 3 times).
    2. Remove the cap and let it air dry.
    3. Make sure it’s completely empty before recycling.
    4. If still unsure, check out our rinse guide here.

    Any remaining chemicals or hazardous waste should be taken to the Sioux Falls Household Hazardous Waste Facility. See what they accept here.

      4. Why Does Clean Recycling Matter?

      Keeping your recycling clean isn’t just about following rules—it actually helps the whole system work better!

      • Messy recycling can ruin good materials. A dirty peanut butter jar can contaminate clean paper or cardboard, making it unrecyclable.
      • It prevents smells and pests. Dirty recyclables attract flies, maggots, and rodents.
      • It keeps machines running. Food and sticky residue can gum up recycling equipment, slowing down the process.
      • It’s respectful to the workers. If you toss in messy or incorrect items, real people have to pull them out by hand. Think of them before you toss it in!

        5. Still Unsure? Ask Us!

        Recycling doesn’t have to be confusing. If you’re not sure how to recycle something, check out BINfluencer’s waste diversion directory or reach out to us!

        By following these simple steps, you’ll be helping Sioux Falls recycle more and waste less. Thanks for doing your part!

        Sioux Falls Recycling: What’s Changed & What Hasn’t?

        Feb 7, 2025 | Community Recycling News, Recycling Explained

        Recycling can get confusing, and we totally get it—rules change from place to place! Instead of getting frustrated, let’s get the facts straight.

        We’re here to clear up what’s changed, what hasn’t, and why Sioux Falls has a strong and successful recycling program that more people should take advantage of.

        WHAT HAS STAYED THE SAME?

        Sioux Falls has required every home and business to recycle for many years, and that hasn’t changed. Since single-stream recycling began in 2007, the same four core material categories have always been accepted:

        • Paper & Cardboard – Office paper, newspapers, magazines, cardboard boxes
        • Metal Cans – Aluminum, tin, and steel food & beverage cans
        • Glass Bottles & Jars – Any color glass bottles and jars
        • Plastic Bottles, Tubs & Jugs – Any number plastic, as long as it’s a bottle, tub, or jug

        These materials continue to be recycled every day.

        WHAT HAS BEEN ADDED?

        Over the years, we’ve actually expanded the list of materials we accept:

        • Paper Cups – Coffee cups and other paper-based cups
        • Cartons – Milk, juice, soup, and other food & beverage cartons
        • Pizza Boxes – Yes, as long as they are free of food and grease

        Rather than removing items, we’ve increased the number of materials that can be recycled.

        WHAT HAS BEEN REMOVED?

        The only major change has been the removal of plastic bags from curbside recycling. However, this doesn’t mean they aren’t recyclable—it just means they need to be recycled in a different way.

        • No recycling facility like ours accepts plastic bags in the bin anymore. This isn’t just in Sioux Falls—no Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in the U.S. can properly sort plastic bags. Instead, they must be taken to store drop-off locations, such as retail and grocery stores.
        • Plastic bags clog up sorting equipment. In single-stream recycling, everything moves quickly on conveyor belts. Plastic bags tangle in the machines, forcing us to stop operations so workers can climb in and cut them out.
        • Bagged recyclables get thrown out. Recycling machines can’t open plastic bags, and staff can’t manually sort them. Since bags often contain trash, food, or hazardous materials, they are automatically removed—sending everything inside straight to the landfill.

        While this may feel like a step backward, it actually improves the recycling system and keeps things running smoothly.

        WHAT ELSE HAS CHANGED?

        For years, Millennium offered a free public drop-off bin where anyone could bring extra recycling. Unfortunately, it was being misused.

        • People dumped trash, furniture, and non-recyclable items.
        • We had to pay to haul away garbage we weren’t supposed to take.
        • We’re a private company, not a government service, and we can’t afford to cover these costs.

        Because of this, we made the tough decision to close the public drop-off bin. Recycling is still required in Sioux Falls, and residents can continue using their curbside bins or take cardboard and single-stream materials to the landfill drop-off for free.

        SIOUX FALLS VS. OTHER CITIES: HOW DO WE COMPARE?

        Many assume that bigger cities recycle more, but Sioux Falls accepts just as much—if not more—than many large cities:

        • Most large cities accept the same main materials as Sioux Falls. If you find one that accepts something we don’t, let us know! We’ll reach out to see how they handle those items and whether we can add them.
        • Omaha, NE & Nashville, TN – Do not accept glass in curbside bins (we do!); residents must take it to drop-off sites.
        • Portland, OR & Minneapolis, MN – Do not accept coffee cups or soiled pizza boxes in their bins (we do!).
        • Most communities do not accept shredded paper in curbside recycling (we do!). You can bag shredded paper in a clear plastic bag and recycle it curbside—this is the only exception to our no-bag rule.

        WHERE DOES SIOUX FALLS’ RECYCLING GO?

        Recycling doesn’t go to a landfill or overseas—it stays in the region, supporting local businesses and manufacturers:

        • Paper & Cardboard → Sent to mills that turn it into new paper products in the Midwest
        • Metal Cans → Recycled into new cans and metal goods
        • Glass Bottles & Jars → Used to make new bottles or even materials for road construction
        • Plastic Bottles, Tubs & Jugs → Turned into new plastic containers, outdoor furniture, and other useful products

        These materials stay in the economy, creating jobs and reducing waste.

        WHY RECYCLING MATTERS FOR SIOUX FALLS

        Recycling isn’t just about helping the environment—it’s good for business, too:

        • Supports jobs – The recycling and manufacturing industries create thousands of jobs.
        • Saves taxpayer money and land – The more we recycle, the longer our landfill lasts. Expanding a landfill costs millions of dollars and is not the best use of one of South Dakota’s most valuable resources: land.
        • Supplies manufacturers – Many American companies rely on recycled materials to make new products. In fact, recycling provides over 40% of the raw materials used in U.S. manufacturing.

        The more people recycle, the stronger our economy becomes.

        HOW YOU CAN HELP

        ✔ Keep Recycling! The more people who participate, the better the system works.
        ✔ Encourage Businesses! If a store, restaurant, or public venue isn’t recycling, ask why.
        ✔ Recycle the Right Way! Stick to the accepted categories and never put plastic bags (except for shredded paper in clear bags) in your bin.

        Need a refresher? Check out the full list of accepted materials.

        FINAL THOUGHT: SIOUX FALLS HAS A STRONG PROGRAM—NOW WE JUST NEED MORE PEOPLE TO USE IT!

        Sioux Falls has a stable, effective, and efficient recycling program that keeps millions of pounds of material out of the landfill every year.

        The only thing missing? More people using it.

        If everyone in Sioux Falls recycled the right way, we could keep even more materials in use, create more jobs, and reduce waste even further.

        Recycling works when we all do our part—let’s keep Sioux Falls recycling strong!