Bill Smith / CC
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — The licensed garbage haulers’ recycling rate for 2020 was 22.1 percent, down slightly from 22.5 percent in 2019.
Recycling rates are calculated by dividing the total amount of recyclables by the total amount of solid waste hauled. Residents and businesses are encouraged to continue recycling properly and reducing their waste to help the City of Sioux Falls meet the 2021 annual recycling goal of 22.1 percent.
By City ordinance, all licensed commercial waste haulers are annually required to achieve the standard of at least 80 percent of the recycling goal. In 2020, the recycling standard was 18.0 percent. Haulers who do not meet the recycling standard receive a surcharge. Haulers with a recycling rate of 33.8 percent or more receive a rebate. Waste haulers’ annual recycling rates are posted at https://siouxfalls.org/public-works/environmental-recycling-hazardous/hauler-recycle-rates.
“Our community should be commended for its commitment to recycling during the stress and challenges we faced in the past year,” states Sustainability Coordinator Holly Meier.
The City encourages residents and businesses to keep recycling and reducing their waste, but it’s important to recycle properly and avoid “wish-cycling,” or placing items in the recycling bin without knowing if they are recyclable. Remember to follow proper recycling guidelines, including:
- Do recycle tin and aluminum cans; plastic containers such as bottles, tubs, and jugs; cardboard and cartons; and paper such as newspapers, magazines, and office paper.
- No other plastic bags are allowed in the recycling bin besides bagged shredded paper.
- All other recyclables should be placed loose (unbagged) in your recycling bin.
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) like face masks and gloves belong in the trash.
- Never put medical, food, pet, or human waste in the recycling bin.
- Electronics, hazardous waste, Styrofoam, ceramics, porcelain, toys, clothing, and garden hoses do not belong in the recycling bin.
For more information about recycling in our region, please visit siouxfalls.org/recycle.
(The City of Sioux Falls contributed this report/news release.)
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