Temporary suspension saves fuel and emissions during period of extremely low demand

Salt Lake City is reminding residents of the six-week suspension of compost can collection beginning the week of January 22.

Each winter, the City temporarily suspends collection of the brown yard waste containers during a period of very low use, in order to save fuel costs and reduce air pollution during wintertime inversion weeks.

This year’s suspension is scheduled to occur from Jan. 22 – March 2, 2018.

Demand for yard waste collection is low during this period, and suspending services will result in:

• An estimated fuel savings of 4,449 gallons and $11,656.
• The elimination of 728 pounds of criteria air pollutants and more than 99,960 pounds of CO2-equivalent.
• A reduction in greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to removing eleven passenger vehicles from the road for an entire year

“Only one percent of curbside compost cans are set out for collection in the winter,” said Mayor Jackie Biskupski. “Halting collection for six weeks is a simple way to conserve city resources and make sure we’re doing everything we can to reduce air pollution.”

Compost can collection will start back up the week of Monday, March 5, 2018, unless Salt Lake City is experiencing a period of heavy snow.

Residents may visit https://www.slc.gov/sustainability/waste-management/holiday-waste-collection-schedule/winter-suspension-for-brown-cans/ for more information.

Holiday Tree Disposal

Residents who still have holiday trees may place them on the curb for collection between Jan. 15 and Feb. 2.

For more information on all waste and recycling services, please visit SLCgreen.com, call 801-535-6999 or email slcwasteandrecycling@slcgov.com.