Business Recycling

Businesses in Sioux Falls are the backbone of our community. They bring jobs, support families, and keep our city growing. From retail shops and restaurants to hospitals, schools, and manufacturing—every business plays a part. With that growth comes responsibility.

Managing waste the right way helps keep Sioux Falls clean, healthy, and sustainable for the future.

Did you know that up to half or more of our waste comes from commercial properties? Think about the waste created in restaurants, hospitals, sports arenas, schools, and industrial sites.

To protect public health and make sure recyclable items don’t go to waste, the City of Sioux Falls has rules in place through the Code of Ordinances.

Mandatory Recycling Requirements

In Sioux Falls, all businesses are required to recycle. This includes places like stores, restaurants, hospitals, churches, schools, and government buildings. These rules are in place to keep people safe and help make sure we recycle as much as we can.

Businesses are required to:

• Collect recyclable items using single-stream, dual-stream, or source-separated methods.
• Keep recyclables separate from garbage until collection.
• Arrange for recycling pickup at least twice a month, or self-haul recyclables yourself to a certified recycling processor.
• Report the weight of any recyclables you self-haul, transfer, or recycle with to your garbage hauler. Accurate reporting helps the City determine recycling rates.

To learn more about these requirements, please visit City of Sioux Falls Code of Ordinances 57.028

Businesses must recycle these materials:

• Paper and Cardboard: Office paper, corrugated boxes, chipboard, newspapers, magazines, and junk mail.
• Plastics: Bottles, tubs, and jugs made from Plastic #1 (PET) and Plastic #2 (HDPE).
• Metal Cans: Aluminum, tin, and steel.

To learn more about how these are defined, please visit the City of Sioux Falls Code of Ordinances 57.001

Here are some ways to improve recycling at your workplace:

• Identify the most common recyclable items in your waste stream.
• Use secure bins with slots or locks to prevent contamination. 
• Work with your hauler to prepare recycling materials for pickup and set up schedules.
• Place recycle bins in convenient and accessible spots for staff and customers.
• Clearly label recycle bins with pictures or examples of what belongs inside.
• Include recycling training in the onboarding for new employees.
• Use secure bins with slots or locks to prevent contamination. 

The Sioux Falls Regional Landfill does NOT accept:

• Required recyclables (listed above)
• Electronics and lead-acid batteries
• Cars or large, bulky items
• Yard waste (grass clippings, leaves)
• Wood waste (branches, logs)
• Oils, gasoline, or petroleum products
• Hazardous waste

To see a complete listing of excluded materials, please visit City of Sioux Falls Code of Ordinances 57.050