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 into 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?
- No. If in doubt, leave it out. Check the Sioux Falls Recycles page to see if an item is listed as accepted. If you’re still not sure, please contact us.
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.
Do I put my recyclables in a plastic bag?
- No. Never put your recyclables in plastic bags into 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?
- No. If in doubt, leave it out. Check the Sioux Falls Recycles page to see if an item is listed as accepted. If you’re still not sure, please contact us.
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.
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.