Christmas often means presents, and presents mean extra trash. But not all that holiday waste is the same. The City of Sioux Falls wants to remind people what can and cannot be recycled and where to dispose of post-yule leavings.

“When we recycle properly, we can actually recycle more material. Items that do not belong in the recycling bin can contaminate a whole load of recyclables, causing them to be put in the landfill instead of accepted at a recycling facility,” says Sustainability Coordinator Jessica Lantgen.

Trash like foil wrapping paper, bows, ribbons, and single-use dinnerware and silverware are not recyclable and belong in the trash. To reduce the amount of waste you generate, use recyclable paper such as newspaper for gift wrap, skip on the bows and ribbons, and use reusable dinnerware and silverware.

"Make sure you’re recycling properly, and reduce the amount of waste you generate. Together we can recycle more and extend the life of our landfill,” says Lantgen.

The City offers these tips for recycling his holiday season:

  • Recycle cardboard boxes, magazines, newspaper, envelopes, holiday cards, and newspaper/magazine mailers/ads.
  • Recycle plastic jugs, tubs, and bottles.
  • Recycle bagged plastic bags, packaging, and bubble wrap. These items must be bagged separately in a clear plastic bag.
  • Recycle clean aluminum foil and trays, tin, and aluminum cans.
  • Recycle glass bottles and jars.
  • Recycle paper egg cartons, milk, and juice cartons.
  • DO NOT recycle Christmas trees both artificial and real. The City will offer a public drop off for live Christmas trees.
  • Do not place foil or glitter wrapping paper, bows, clothing and fabric, electronics, food waste, scrap metal including cookware and silverware, wood, Styrofoam, tires, furniture, or toys in your home recycling bin.
  • Bring electronics, holiday lights, batteries, light bulbs, and household chemicals to the Household Hazardous Waste Facility for proper disposal.

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