2025 Year in Review

Sustainability’s Year in Review 2025

Every year, we review our high-level accomplishments and priorities for the year ahead.

How to Navigate

Click a category below to learn about the Sustainability Department’s 2025 accomplishments and our 2026 priorities. Previous Years in Review can be found at the bottom of this webpage.

Waste & Recycling

Waste management is crucial for a healthy, safe city. Our Waste & Recycling Division collects trash, recycling, and compost from approximately 42,000 homes and businesses every week.

Air Quality

Air quality is a complex issue, and our unique geography only adds to that. We take action where we can and encourage everyone to do their part to improve our airshed.

Climate & Energy

Many impacts of climate change are being addressed on a local level. We work to mitigate these impacts through our climate and energy programs.

Food Systems

The way we grow food and the way we eat matters. We consider the food system as an essential part of creating a more sustainable future.

Communication & Outreach
Our outreach and education teams are dedicated to connecting with Salt Lakers about the City’s sustainability efforts.

Environmental Compliance
Our department supports City project managers in complying with federal and state environmental laws.

Department Mission

The Department of Sustainability aims to preserve and improve our built and natural environments and provide residents information on sustainability issues affecting Salt Lake City.

Sustainability is one of 17 departments within Salt Lake City government and supports the vision of enhancing resilience and stewardship. The Department develops goals and strategies to reduce pollution, slow climate change, and establish a path toward greater resiliency and vitality for all aspects of our community.

Two divisions make up the Department: The Sustainability Energy & Environment Division (E&E) and the Waste & Recycling Division (W&R). Both divisions are funded within the Refuse Fund Class. The expense budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 is $29.4 million and operates with 65 full-time equivalent positions (FTE’s).

The E&E Division serves to ensure that City departments comply with all applicable environmental regulations, and guides citywide policy and practice to minimize the environmental impact of community and City operations. Focus areas include: air quality; energy efficiency and electrification; renewable energy; climate change; food equity; sustainable business engagement; communications and outreach; and environmental compliance.

The W&R Division runs Salt Lake City’s curbside refuse programs, including weekly waste collection services for approximately 42,000 households, the Call 2 Haul bulk waste program, Christmas tree collection, and container maintenance programs. The Division also oversees outreach for and compliance with: the City’s Business and Multi-Family Recycling ordinance; Construction and Demolition debris ordinance; and Special Events waste permitting.