Have you ever had questions about recycling in our community? Here is some information to help you understand some of our more frequently asked questions about what you can recycle.
Do I put my recyclables in a plastic bag?
- No. Never put your recyclables in plastic bags in your recycle bin. Recyclables should be left loose in your bin. Bagged recyclables increase processing costs and time.
Should lids and caps be left on or off bottles?
- Yes. Caps on is preferred. You can replace lids and caps on bottles after containers are empty of all liquids.
Can anything that looks recyclable go in my recycling bin?
When items that are not accepted for recycling (contaminants) are mixed with recyclables, it increases processing costs and can damage expensive sorting equipment. Contaminants can reduce the quality of the recyclables, which lowers the market value of the materials.
Do I have to rinse out bottles and cans before recycling them?
- No. All bottles and cans should be empty of liquid, but most beverage containers don’t need to be rinsed out before placing them in your recycle bin. However, used bottles and jars that held stickier foods, like peanut butter or mayonnaise, please wipe out most of the food residue from those containers.
Is aluminum foil recyclable?
- Yes. Aluminum foil, pie pans, and trays are accepted for recycling locally. Please wipe off any food residue and compress the foil into a ball before placing it in your recycle bin.
Can I recycle any plastics with a recycling symbol on them?
- No. The recycling symbol on containers indicates the general type of plastic the material is made from, but it does not mean the container is recyclable in your community. Plastics vary significantly in terms of their resin types (chemicals and dyes) and physical properties (rigidity and melting points). Often, there are no processing options or market demand for lower-grade (non-rigid) plastic items or large, bulky plastic materials.
Don’t worry about the number in the recycling symbol on a plastic item when deciding if that item can be recycled. Instead, follow this simple rule: if a plastic item is a bottle, jug, or tub, then it is accepted for recycling.
Are plastic “to-go” clamshells, egg cartons, or berry containers recyclable?
- No. Clamshells and other lightweight (non-rigid) plastic containers are not recyclable locally. These types of non-rigid plastic containers are often used to store and sell bakery foods, deli items, fresh berries, and mixed candies.
Can I recycle plastic grocery bags in my bins?
- No. Plastic bags of any kind are not accepted for recycling in residential or commercial recycle bins. Plastic bags are the top contaminant in the recycling industry because they increase costs. They can become entangled in gears during processing, which can damage expensive equipment and halt the entire sorting operation. Most plastic grocery bags can be recycled by returning them to the store where they were purchased.
Are plastic microwavable trays recyclable?
- No. Plastic microwavable trays are not recyclable locally. While often made from recycled plastics, these containers are heavily dyed and are difficult to process into new plastics.
Is Styrofoam® or other foam materials recyclable in my bins?
- No. Styrofoam®, expanded polystyrene blocks, foam trays, and shipping peanuts are not accepted for recycling in curbside bins.
If you are not able to reuse this material, please dispose of it with your garbage and be sure to bag shipping peanuts to avoid creating any litter problems. Some grocery stores will take back clean foam trays and foam egg cartons for recycling. Look for designated recycling containers near the front of the stores.
Are empty plastic prescription vials recyclable?
- Yes. Only the larger-sized plastic prescription vials and vitamin-type bottles that are 2 inches or more in diameter or height are accepted for recycling. Bottles less than 2 inches are too small to make it through the sorting process.
Is there a size limit on plastic containers that can be recycled, like the jumbo-sized cat litter jugs?
- Yes. Plastic containers and plastic buckets that are five-gallon (5-gal.) or smaller are accepted for recycling locally. Please be sure to remove metal handles from containers before placing them in your recycle bin.
Can packaging materials be recycled?
- Yes. Some paper packaging materials, like brown paper, are recyclable; however, plastic bubble wrap, bubble-lined envelopes, and air pillows are not recyclable locally. If you cannot reuse this material, please dispose of it with your trash, and be sure to pop or poke holes in air pillows.
Is shredded paper accepted for recycling in my home bin?
- Yes. Shredded paper is accepted for recycling in Sioux Falls; however, all shredded paper must be placed inside a clear plastic bag that is tied closed.
How do I recycle cardboard boxes bigger than my bin?
- Flatten or cut all cardboard boxes into smaller pieces so they fit inside your recycle bin, or leave larger flattened boxes next to your recycle bin for collection. On windy days, you can place your recycling bin on top of larger boxes to prevent them from blowing away.
Can I recycle pizza boxes?
- Yes. Most pizza boxes can be recycled. Be sure to remove any food residue and liners before recycling a pizza box. For pizza boxes that are soaked with grease on the bottom, remove the clean top part for recycling and throw the greasy bottom in the trash.
Can I recycle boxes with tape or labels on them?
- Yes. Boxes with tape or labels on them can still be processed for recycling; however, the more tape you can remove, the better, as it will improve the recyclability of the material.
Can I recycle drink pouches?
- No. Plastic or foil pouches of any kind are not recyclable locally. This material is hard to process and has limited marketability.
Are batteries and light bulbs accepted in my home recycle bin?
- No. Any type of battery or light bulb is not accepted in your home's recycle bin.
For the proper disposal and recycling of household hazardous waste, residents should take these materials to the Household Hazard Waste Facility.
Are K-Cups (coffee pods) accepted for recycling?
- No. Single-serve coffee pods are not accepted for recycling locally.
What should I do with my garbage or recycling bins when I move?
- Contact your waste service provider to find out if you can transfer services to a new address or if the containers need to be removed on a scheduled day at the end of your move.