Earth Month is a good reminder of something we don’t always think about day to day:
What we throw away—and where it ends up—matters.
A new report from the World Bank estimates that global waste could increase by 50% by 2050 if we continue on our current path.
That’s a BIG number—but the solution starts locally.
It Starts Right Here in Sioux Falls
Every box, bottle, and bag thrown away in Sioux Falls goes somewhere.
- Trash goes to the landfill
- Curbside recycling is processed locally at Millennium
- And everything depends on how materials are sorted before they ever leave your home or business
We already have the system in place. The biggest opportunity is using it the right way.
The Missed Opportunity We See Every Day
The report highlights that about 30% of waste globally is not properly managed.
Here in the Sioux Falls area, the challenge looks a little different:
- Recyclables ending up in the trash
- Contamination turning good material into waste
- Items being thrown away simply because people aren’t sure what to do with them
That’s not just waste—it’s lost value.
Why It Matters Locally
When recyclable materials are thrown away:
- Landfill space fills up faster
- Costs increase over time
- Valuable materials are lost instead of reused
At the same time, recycling supports something bigger: Over 90% of what’s processed at Millennium stays in the Midwest to make new products.
That means the choices made here in Sioux Falls directly support regional jobs and manufacturing.
The Materials That Make the Biggest Difference
Globally, the largest portions of waste include food, paper, cardboard, and plastics. Locally, we see the same thing: Cardboard boxes, paper and mail, bottles, containers and cans.
These are some of the easiest materials to recycle—and some of the most commonly missed.
Not Sure Where It Goes? Start Here.
Recycling isn’t always as simple as the bin—and that’s okay.
The easiest way to get it right is to look it up before you toss it.
With the BINfluencer app (or search tool), you can:
- Search any item and see if it belongs in your recycling bin
- Find out what needs to stay out of single-stream
- Get directions to local drop-off sites for harder-to-recycle items
Because not everything belongs in the bin—but that doesn’t mean it belongs in the landfill either.
There are organizations across Sioux Falls that:
- Accept materials like plastic bags, electronics, batteries, and more
- Reuse or repurpose items through donation
- Help keep valuable materials in use and out of the landfill
The key is knowing where to take them.
Simple Actions That Add Up
You don’t have to do everything to make a difference. Just start with the basics:
- Recycle cardboard, paper, cans, and bottles, tubs & jugs
- Keep materials loose (not bagged)
- Keep trash out of recycling bins
- Take a few seconds to look up items you’re unsure about
Earth Month Is a Starting Point—Not the Finish Line
Earth Month is a great time to reset habits, but what really matters is what happens after.
Sioux Falls already has, the infrastructure, the access, and the local partners. Now it comes down to participation.
Search it. Sort it right. Keep it local.