Mission Statement
To provide environmentally and fiscally sound solid waste management and disposal services to its customers. The Sioux Falls Regional Sanitary Landfill is committed to maintaining and operating a solid waste management facility in accordance with established local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations. It provides disposal service to a five-county region including Sioux Falls. Further, the Landfill Division will partner with the sustainability program to continually strive to create a sustainable community.
Division Summary
The Sioux Falls Regional Sanitary Landfill (SFRSL) is the largest landfill in the state of South Dakota and is operated under permits issued by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
The SFRSL began operations in 1979. It is located approximately 5 miles west of the city of Sioux Falls, at the intersection of 267th Street and 464th Avenue.
The SFRSL has a service area covering five counties: Lake, Lincoln, McCook, Minnehaha, and Turner. Approximately 240,000 citizens utilize the services provided by the SFRSL. Currently, the SFRSL accepts approximately 570 tons per day of municipal solid waste (MSW) and approximately 168 tons per day of construction and demolition debris (C&D).
The SFRSL has a total permitted area of 709 acres. There are several disposal areas located at the SFRSL for various waste products and landfill staff makes an effort to reclaim and recycle materials where appropriate. These areas include an MSW disposal site, C&D disposal site, a composting operation area, an asbestos disposal area, and a wood/tree/brush pile area. The landfill has moved MSW disposal to a 160-acre lined expansion site. The landfill also has a separate deer carcass disposal area. Other surrounding SFRSL property is utilized for storm water management and buffer area.
The SFRSL funds a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) facility where it collects hazardous items from residents that could cause problems if disposed in the landfill. The HHW facility also collects electronics from residents on a full-time basis. HHW and electronics items are reused or recycled and are diverted from the landfill.
The SFRSL actively collects and beneficially reuses landfill gas (LFG). An LFG pipeline began operations in 2009. This pipeline transports LFG to POET Biorefining in Chancellor, approximately 11 miles away, where it is used as an energy source.
In 2009, the Sustainability Program was initiated and oversees the City’s Leading Green efforts. The mission of the Sustainability Program is to serve as a guiding program that creates a more sustainable community now and in the future by proposing and assisting with the implementation of measurable solutions to environmental, social, and economic concerns.
The Mayor’s Solid Waste Planning Board (SWPB), which is comprised of representatives from all five counties, industry, citizens, and City staff, reviews the current waste stream of the users, investigates how the waste stream may vary in the future, and analyzes how current and future recycling efforts may impact the waste stream. It also assesses market and operating conditions and other related issues as needed. The SWPB may develop plans associated with solid waste related issues, assess current ordinances, and recommend future ordinances for consideration. The SWPB makes ongoing reports to the Mayor of its findings and recommendations.
MSW: In 2011, the SFRSL disposed of over 171,000 tons of MSW. Based on 2011 tonnage and population estimates, our five-county region on average disposed around 3.4 pounds per person per day of MSW.
Public C&D: In 2011, the SFRSL disposed of 51,000 tons of public C&D.
City C&D: In 2011, the SFRSL disposed of 28,000 tons of city C&D. Other departments within the City of Sioux Falls also benefit from the SFRSL. The SFRSL provides free disposal for other City departments for certain wastes.
Special Projects: Every year the SFRSL provides support to the City of Sioux Falls and area communities with several special projects such as Project NICE/KEEP and community clean-up events.
Leaf Drop-off Sites: For almost two months every fall, the SFRSL establishes two sites in the city of Sioux Falls for residents to drop off their leaves for a small fee. One of these sites is located near the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds on Lyon Boulevard, and the other is located on the west side of the Household Hazardous Waste Facility at 1015 East Chambers Street.
Christmas Tree Drop-off Site: For three weeks every year, the SFRSL offers a free Christmas tree drop-off site to residents in the city of Sioux Falls. After the collection ends, the Christmas trees are ground up and hauled to the SFRSL for beneficial reuse.
Deer/Elk Carcass Disposal: Due to continuing concerns with Chronic Wasting Disease in deer/elk, the SFRSL has developed a separate disposal area for deer/elk carcasses. The SFRSL provides, to residents in the service area, a drop-off at no charge for up to 10 deer/elk carcasses. Commercial processors are charged to dispose of deer/elk carcasses.
Free Landfill Pass: In 2011, the Free Pass Program for Sioux Falls home owners ran from April through June. The total number of vehicles allowed into the SFRSL for no charge was 9,600.