How Clean Does Recycling Need to Be?

Recycling is easy—but only if we do it right! One of the biggest mistakes people make is tossing in dirty containers. Leftover food, liquids, and chemicals don’t belong in the recycling bin because they can ruin clean materials and make them impossible to recycle.

But don’t worry—you don’t need to scrub everything spotless! Here’s a simple guide to keeping your recycling clean and making sure it actually gets turned into something new.

1. The Empty & Clean Rule

Before tossing something in the recycling bin, follow this rule:

1. Dump out all liquids (a dry container is best!).
2. Scrape out food using a spatula, napkin, or spoon.
3. Give it a quick rinse if needed—a swish of water is usually enough.

*Pro Tip: If a container has so much peanut butter left that you could make another sandwich, it’s too dirty to recycle!

What Can Be Recycled?

• Plastic bottles, tubs, and jugs (like milk jugs, detergent bottles)
• Glass bottles and jars
• Paper and cardboard (clean, dry, and flattened)
• Metal cans and aluminum trays (but trays MUST be clean!)

See the full list of what’s accepted in Sioux Falls recycling bins here

2. What About Food Waste?

Food belongs in compost or the trash—not in your recycling bin! Here’s how to reduce waste at home:

• Compost Your Scraps – Start a backyard compost bin or check out the City of Sioux Falls compost guide.
• Plan Your Meals – Buy only what you need to prevent waste.
• Store Leftovers Right – Freeze extra food so it doesn’t go bad.
• Donate Unused Food – Organizations like Feeding South Dakota accept nonperishable and fresh food donations.

3. What About Cleaning & Chemical Bottles?

Many cleaning product bottles can be recycled, but hazardous chemicals CANNOT.

If You’re Recycling a Chemical Bottle:

1. Triple rinse it (fill with water, shake, empty—repeat 3 times).
2. Remove the cap and let it air dry.
3. Make sure it’s completely empty before recycling.
4. If still unsure, check out our rinse guide here.

Any remaining chemicals or hazardous waste should be taken to the Sioux Falls Household Hazardous Waste Facility. See what they accept here.

4. Why Does Clean Recycling Matter?

Keeping your recycling clean isn’t just about following rules—it actually helps the whole system work better!

• Messy recycling can ruin good materials. A dirty peanut butter jar can contaminate clean paper or cardboard, making it unrecyclable.
• It prevents smells and pests. Dirty recyclables attract flies, maggots, and rodents.
• It keeps machines running. Food and sticky residue can gum up recycling equipment, slowing down the process.
• It increases the value of recyclables. The cleaner the materials, the more valuable they are—helping keep recycling services going for Sioux Falls.

5. Still Unsure? Ask Us!

Recycling doesn’t have to be confusing. If you’re not sure how to recycle something, check out BINfluencer’s waste diversion directory or reach out to us!

By following these simple steps, you’ll be helping Sioux Falls recycle more and waste less. Thanks for doing your part!