Have sandbags? Here’s how you should dispose of them later this month.

SUMMIT COUNTY, Utah — Although Summit County is still not quite out of the woods when it comes to spring flooding, it’s time for residents to consider how they will dispose of sandbags later this month.

“The snowpack at higher elevations is still well above average for this time of year,” said a statement from Summit County. “Residents in flood plains and waterways are encouraged to keep sandbags on hand until mid-June.”

Summit County has provided the following tips for disposing of your sandbags when the time comes:

• Once acquired, sandbags are your responsibility, including proper disposal. Summit County does not offer sandbag pickup or individual disposal. Residents who live within city limits can contact their municipality to see if they offer disposal options.
• Residents who are physically unable to dispose of their sandbags can request help from the Sandbag Samaritan volunteer list by emailing pio@summitcounty.org.
• Be aware that sunlight quickly degrades bags.
• Do not dump sandbags in rivers, creeks, streams, canals, ditches, roadway gutters, storm drain inlets, or anywhere but your property.
• Suggested disposal options include: use on personal property, landfills, and trash receptacles *one bag at a time* (do not place bags on the curb for pickup).
• Sand or sandbags that have been in contact with flood water specifically should not be reused in ways that involve direct, regular, human contact, such as sandboxes or playgrounds. Basic safety precautions, such as wearing gloves, long pants, and long sleeves, are also encouraged when disposing of bags and sand.
• If you believe your sandbags may have come in contact with sewage, fuels, or other non-household chemicals, contact Summit County Environmental Health at 435-333-1502.