Category Archives: Recycling & Waste

e2 Business Best Practice: Future of Food Waste

On Tuesday, e2 Business members gathered at the Central Valley Water Reclamation facility to learn about anaerobic digestion and how it can help solve the long standing issue of what to do to “recycle” food waste and prevent it from ending up in our valley’s landfills. And by food waste they mean just about anything — from bread, to fish, to expired milk and everything in between!
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Glen Perry is Vice President of ALPRO Energy & Water, the project development firm that has partnered with Momentum Recycling and Central Valley Water Reclamation facility to develop the proposed food waste anaerobic digester.

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The group noshed on delicious vegan sandwiches, salads and burritos from Bud’s Sandwich Company as they learned the ins and outs of anaerobic digestion (and its similarities to human digestion — interesting lunch talk!)

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Kate Whitbeck with Momentum Recycling shared how their organization plans to play a roll in providing the “feedstock” for the anaerobic digester in the form of post-consumer food waste, primarily from restaurants.

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Following the discussion, the group took a tour of the Central Valley Water Reclamation facility, highlights including a rooftop view of the reactors and waste digesters. Learn more about the waste operations at the facility.

Green your business with the help of Salt Lake City’s e2 business program!

Salt Lake City Searching for New Sanitation Program Director

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Salt Lake City is looking for a new Sanitation Program Director that will help the City achieve it’s goal of zero waste by 2040!

Apply at SLCgov.com.

Position: SANITATION PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Job Code: 001609
Job Bid: 150228
Department: Public Services
Salary: (031) $4,933.00 – $8,538.00
Close Date: 6/4/2015

Directs and manages the City’s operations for the Sanitation Program. As Program Director, incumbent is responsible for managing operations associated with the City’s recycling and waste collection programs, including but not limited to: curbside refuse, compost and recycling collection; neighborhood clean-up; enforcement and education; and container maintenance. Plans, develops and implements city-wide waste diversion and reduction policies and initiatives to meet the City’s goal to reach Zero Waste by 2040.

Position requires specialized knowledge of best management practices for waste diversion, sanitation operations and requires the knowledge and ability to address local challenges.

Plans for and directs operations associated with the delivery of citywide sanitation services, including: curbside refuse, compost and recycling collection; neighborhood cleanup; enforcement and education; and container maintenance programs. Develops and implements strategies for aggressively moving the City towards Zero Waste. Designs, implements, and monitors program including the implementation of best management practices, environmental stewardship, operating budgets, performance measures, personnel and equipment maintenance. Recommends and initiates process improvements, cost saving measures, operational efficiencies and other program changes necessary to achieve Zero Waste.  Directs the preparation and necessary adjustments to the program budget, including the support needed for updates and revisions to the annual budget document. Monitors and manages budget, resources, and financial transactions. Ensures appropriate processes, procedures, and policies are in place and followed for all financial transactions. Analyzes and develops program policies, goals, and objectives to improve efficiency and effectiveness. Creates strategic plans to support the policies, goals and objectives of the program. Resolves complex issues involving operations and environmental stewardship. Ensures operations comply with City, State and Federal regulations to protect the environment and ensure safe work practices. Presents the program’s policies and positions in meetings, negotiations, and communications with the public, citizen and industry groups, Mayor and City Council members, other government agencies, the media and other public forums within assigned area of authority.

Ensures employee productivity and effective use of resources by coaching, mentoring and training supervisory staff and building an effective team. Evaluates and documents performance of program managers and office staff, administers appropriate employee recognition and disciplinary actions. Develops technical specifications, project design and standards for procurement bids and proposals related to sanitation. Reviews bids and proposals and assists with the selection of contractors. Ensures contractor performance. Plays key roll establishing disaster and emergency preparedness program. Represents the department in public meetings and/or on various committees as directed. Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Management or closely related degree, plus six (6) years progressively responsible experience managing public programs including a minimum four (4) years in a supervisory capacity. A combination of six (6) years of directly related program and/or management experience may be substituted for the required education.

Thorough knowledge of materials, techniques, equipment, personnel management and best management practices associated with waste diversion, recycling, resource management, composting, and landfill operations.

Experience in budget preparation and administration, and ability to implement budget requirements into departmental operations.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, department directors, employees, and the general public. Highly effective collaboration and communication skills.

Possession of a valid driver’s license or Utah driving privilege card, including the ability to travel between office and external locations.

Apply at SLCgov.com.

Become a Salt Lake City Master Recycler!

SLC master recyclerSalt Lake City Green is excited to announce our new Master Recycler Program, coming this May! We’re currently looking for our inaugural Master Recycler class.

Do you want to be one of Salt Lake City’s first certified Master Recyclers? Fill out this short form & we’ll be in touch!

What is Master Recycler?

Salt Lake City Green is working to build out a network of residents who are trained and certified Master Recyclers who understand all aspects of waste reduction, city services and bin downsizing options.

Class Details

Master Recyclers commit to attending eight weekly workshops running from May-June 2015. Classes are scheduled for Tuesdays from 3-6 p.m.

Workshops will cover a variety of topics and emphasize opportunities for hands-on learning. Every workshop includes a field trip for a behind-the-scenes look at the Salt Lake County Landfill, Salt Lake City Sanitation, Rocky Mountain Recycling, landfill composting operation and Momentum Glass Recycling. You’ll even “tag” along with Salt Lake City’s can inspection team!

What’s in it for you?

  • Recognition as one of the first certified Master Recyclers in Salt Lake City (awesome plaque included!)
  • A tote bag full of Master Recycler swag, including t-shirt and stainless steel water bottle.
  • The knowledge to help your friends, neighbors and kids maximize your recycling & reduce your impact on the environment.

Sign up! We’re currently recruiting our inaugural Master Recycler class. Fill out this form & we’ll be in touch!

Should businesses & apartments be required to recycle in SLC?

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The Salt Lake City Council is currently accepting comments on the proposed Business & Multi-Family Recycling Ordinance on Open City Hall. 

Do you think businesses and apartments should be required to recycle? Comment today!

A proposal that would increase recycling requirements is coming before the City Council for review and approval. Although the topic has appeared on Open City Hall before, the Council may consider some changes and would like to know what you think of the proposal.

The Council supports diverting as much waste from the landfill as possible, and commercial and multi-family buildings generate a significant amount of waste that is needlessly thrown out when it could be recycled.  Currently, the City provides recycling service automatically to single family and duplex residences.  However, over the years, the Council has received many requests from residents of multi-unit buildings and business employees for recycling services, too.

For people who live in multi-unit condo or apartment complexes, recycling service is harder to come by. The same goes for businesses – although businesses and apartment owners can contract for recycling collection, there is currently no requirement for them to participate.

An update to City law would change that, making it mandatory for businesses, apartment complex owners, and condominium home owners associations to provide recycling service – with some exceptions.

For more information on the proposed changes, and how they would be phased in, read the Council Staff  report here, and Mayor’s original proposal here. 

Exchange your old gas can (for free!) on Saturday, April 11

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Exchange your old empty 2.5 or 5 gallon gas can for a free, brand new, environmentally friendly can of equal size!

UCAIR and Chevron are exchanging over 4,500 gas cans. That’s equivalent to eliminating 540 cars off Utah’s roads per day over the 5-year life of each gas can. Making this small change can have large impact on our air quality. Together we can make a difference in Utah’s air quality.

The Gas Can Exchange Program will be the first of its kind in Utah and help our state come into compliance with the EPA standard.

The event will be held on April 11, 2015 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the following locations:

  • 2100 S. 300 W., Salt Lake City, Chevron Station
  • 1997 E. 3500 N., Layton, Davis Landfill
  • 1855 Skyline Dr., South Ogden, Chevron Station
  • 1200 Towne Center Blvd., Provo Towne Center Mall

Why exchange your old can? Old gas cans contribute to volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions by:

  • Permeation of vapors through walls of containers.
  • Escaping fumes while fuel is being dispensed.
  • Spillage and over filling as fuel is being poured into equipment.
  • Spillage and evaporation through secondary vent holes.
  • Evaporation through inadequately capped spouts.

The new cans have several improvements including:

  • Automatic shut-off feature to prevent overfilling.
  • Automatic closing feature.
    • Sealed when it is not in use.
    • Prevents leaking vapors.
    • Protects children from accidental spills and ingestion.
    • Secondary venting holes are eliminated to stop venting of fumes into the air.
    • Thicker walls to reduce vapor permeation.

Please contact Angie at coordinator@ucair.org if you have any questions about the gas can exchange.

Source: http://www.ucair.org/hot_topics/ucair-chevron-gas-can-exchange/

Donate an Unwanted Vehicle

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Looking for a good cause to donate your unwanted car or truck (or motorcycle, SUV, RV, or even boat!)? Wheels for Wishes is a donation program benefiting Make-A-Wish® Utah. Turn your donated vehicle into a wish for a local child. Vehicles will be picked up free of charge, anywhere in Utah, running or not!

Vehicles are either recycled or auctioned off, and 100% of the net proceeds benefit Make-A-Wish Utah. Since Wheels for Wishes is a tax-exempt charity, donors also receive the maximum possible tax deduction for their vehicle donation.

Visit wheelsforwishes.org or Make-A-Wish Utah for more information.

Five Quick Tips for a Greener Thanksgiving

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Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, delicious food and great company. Unfortunately this most American of holidays can generate a lot of waste: food waste, disposable plates, plastic utensils and cups, and wasted energy.

Here are five quick tips to reduce waste and focus on the things that matter.

1. An Organic Bird: When it comes to buying the holiday turkey, we recommend buying an organic bird. Look for labels saying, “USDA certified organic” or “No Antibiotics Administered” with a “USDA Process Verified” seal. e2 Business Liberty Heights Fresh offers some great options.

2. Local Sides: Swing by the Winter Farmers Market this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Rio Grande Depot to pick up local greens, squash, root vegetables, etc. Also, think about minimizing your use of meat in recipes — vegetarian dishes have a lower carbon footprint. For recipe suggestions, visit our Green Thanksgiving Pinterest board.

3. Durable Tableware: We understand the temptation, but please resist the urge to purchase single-use table settings. After their one use, they go right to the landfill where they take years to degrade (if they ever!) If you’re hosting, ask your guests to pitch in to help wash dishes. If you’re headed to a celebration away from your home, pack up some silverware, plates, and cups (or a water bottle) and bring them along. The extra ten seconds it takes to pack up your own dishes saves landfill space and energy.

4. Creative Leftovers: Thanksgiving dinner is wonderful, but we all know that there is plenty of food left over after the big meal. If you’re planning to take some leftovers home with you, bring along a few empty glass food containers from home, which will eliminate the need for disposable containers. You can also minimize food waste by turning your turkey, potatoes, stuffing, and other foodstuff into innovative leftover recipes. Dispose of spoiled fruits and vegetables food in a compost bin.

5. Compost and Recycle: For those hosting Thanksgiving meals, be sure to clearly mark bins for recycling and composting. This will eliminate the build-up of trash in your home and will keep unnecessary waste out of the landfill.

For more information, visit these websites:

Join us for the Dive Film Screening & Zero Waste Awards

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The Utah Recycling Alliance (URA), is pleased to announce the Fourth Annual America Recycles Day Zero Waste Awards and Film Screening on Thursday, November 13, 2014 at Brewvies Cinema Pub (677 South 200 West, SLC, UT).

We will be recognizing local businesses, non-profits and government agencies which have set the standards for zero waste in the Salt Lake Valley. The evening will kick off with a presentation of Zero Waste Awards by EPA Region 8 Director Shaun McGrath. Following the awards ceremony, attendees will be invited to a screening of “Dive”.

A $5 admission includes one drink ticket, two raffle tickets, the awards ceremony, movie screening and an evening of Zero Waste revelry. Food available for purchase. All proceeds from the event will go to the Utah Recycling Alliance. Become a member of URA and receive free entrance ($25 annual membership fee).

Date: Thursday, November 13th, 2014

Location: Brewvies Cinema Pub (677 South 200 West, Salt Lake City)

Schedule of Events:

6:00 p.m. – Purchase ticket, grab a drink and mingle

6:45 p.m. – Raffle followed by awards ceremony. Raffle items include tickets to Alta, gift certificates to some of our favorite local restaurants and more!

7:00 p.m. – “Dive” film screening

Event Sponsors: Ace Recycling and Disposal, Interwest Paper, Momentum Recycling, Rocky Mountain Recycling, Salt Lake City Corporation, and Uinta Brewing.

Nominate your business for a Zero Waste Award!

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The Utah Recycling Alliance (URA), is pleased to announce the Fourth Annual America Recycles Day Zero Waste Awards and Film Screening on Thursday, November 13th, 2014 at Brewvies Cinema Pub (677 South 200 West, SLC, UT). We will be recognizing local businesses, non-profits and government agencies which have set the standards for zero waste in the Salt Lake Valley. The evening will kick off with a presentation of Zero Waste Awards by EPA Region 8 Director Shaun McGrath. Following the awards ceremony, attendees will be invited to a screening of “Dive”.  A $5 admission includes one drink ticket, two raffle tickets, the awards ceremony, movie screening and an evening of Zero Waste revelry. Food available for purchase. All proceeds from the event will go to the Utah Recycling Alliance. Become a member of URA and receive free entrance ($25 annual membership fee).

Event Sponsors include: Ace Recycling and Disposal, Interwest Paper, Momentum Recycling, Rocky Mountain Recycling, Salt Lake City Corporation, and Uinta Brewing.

Date: Thursday, November 13th, 2014

Location: Brewvies Cinema Pub – 677 South 200 West, Salt Lake City

Schedule of Events:

6:00 p.m. – Purchase ticket, grab a drink and mingle

6:45 p.m. – Raffle followed by awards ceremony. Raffle items include tickets to Alta, gift certificates to some of our favorite local restaurants and more!

7:00 p.m. – “Dive” film screening

 

Nominate your Organization for a Zero Waste Award

Please submit a one page description of how your organization handles its waste, answering any specific questions listed under the award description. The more convincing facts and evidence you provide to back up your claims the better.  Tell us what your waste stream consists of. How do you divert materials? Have you made changes to purchasing practices to impact the waste you produce?  Did you come up with some creative ways to use or reuse materials which reduces the waste you send to the landfill? Who are your end users (where do your materials go)? Please present evidence documenting your diversion rate using weight or volume measurements. Tell us why  you deserve this award.

Include the following with your submission:

  • Organization name:
  • Contact person at organization:
  • Phone:
  • Email:
  • Which award you would like to be considered for: Zero Waste or PDC, Zero to Zero, Innovate Path to Zero Award.

Award Descriptions:

  • Zero Waste or PDC (Pretty Darn Close) – This award is presented to an organization or business which has achieved a 90% or above diversion rate. Documentation is key for this one.
  • Zero to Zero – This award is presented to the organization or business which has made the most progress over the last year or so. If you didn’t have a recycling program in place (not even collecting aluminum cans for the Boy Scouts) and have since started an exemplary recycling program, this award could be for you. Tell us where you started and what you have achieved. We don’t expect you to be at Zero Waste but moving in that direction.
  • Innovative Path to Zero – This award is presented to the organization which is actively moving towards zero waste, and has taken an innovative approach in repurposing materials, or has uncovered unique end-users for a particular waste stream.

A panel of independent judges will evaluate each of the entries and determine the award recipients.

All submissions must be sent to: utahrecyclingalliance@gmail.com by October 30th, 2014.

SLC, pick your fee!

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Did you know? Salt Lake City residents can choose their monthly garbage fee, depending on the size of their curbside bin.

There are three options available:

  • $21.00 a month for 90 gallon
  • $17.75 a month for 60 gallon
  • $13.50 a month for 40 gallon

If you are on the fence about downsizing, consider maximizing your curbside recycling and compost (yard waste) bins. The more waste you divert from your garbage bin, the more money you’ll save with a smaller bin & monthly fee!

Learn more at SLCgreen.com.  Or check out our “cheat sheets” below.

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