Sustainability Terminology

Thinking about being more green can sometimes feel complicated. This list of terms will help you learn the language of sustainability and recycling. It’s a great way to better understand how we can all work together to make Sioux Falls better!

Magazines (OMG)

Old Magazines refer to multi-page publications, including recovered coated magazines, catalogs, and similar printed materials.

Markets

The businesses that accept recyclable materials for reuse or processing, either for their own use or for resale.

Material Management

How we use materials throughout their life cycle, from upstream extraction of resources to downstream waste management and disposal, and everything in between.

Materials Recovery Facility (MRF)

A facility that processes collected mixed recyclables by sorting, reducing volume, containing, or preparing them for shipment off-site into new products available for the market.

Mixed Glass

Recovered container glass that has not been sorted into categories, such as by color.

Mixed Paper

Recovered paper of various qualities not sorted into specific categories, such as old magazines, old newspapers, or old corrugated boxes.

Mixed Plastic

Recovered plastic that is not sorted by category.

Multimodal Solutions

Involve using two or more modes of transportation to move people or goods efficiently. This can include combinations like bicycle and bus. The aim of multimodal solutions is to improve connectivity, cut costs, boost sustainability, and enhance travel or delivery efficiency.