Summit County expands recycling as landfill pressures grow

Summit County has opened four new 24-hour recycling drop-off sites, with additional locations and materials planned through 2027. Photo: Photo by Jon Moore

Four new 24-hour drop-off sites are the first step in a plan aimed at adding a decade to the landfill’s lifespan.

SUMMIT COUNTY, Utah — Summit County has opened four recycling drop-off locations as part of a broader effort to make recycling more convenient and extend the life of the Three Mile Canyon Landfill.

The new sites are at the Ledges Event Center, Kamas Park and Ride, Ecker Hill Park and Ride, and Three Mile Canyon Landfill. Each is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and accepts residential glass and mixed recyclables.

Cardboard collection bins are expected to be added this fall, followed by food waste drop-off options at select locations through a partnership with Park City Community Foundation’s Zero Food Waste initiative.

Two additional recycling sites are planned for Park City and the Silver Summit-Silver Creek area in 2027.

“Our residents made it clear during the Solid Waste Action Plan process that convenience drives their recycling habits,” Summit County Solid Waste Superintendent Tim Loveday said in a statement. “We strategically chose these locations along everyday commute and errand routes to bring recycling closer to home, fill critical gaps for residents without curbside service, and give households a seamless overflow option when their bins fill up between collections.”

Summit County will oversee the sites, while Recycle Utah will maintain the glass collection bin at the Ecker Hill Park and Ride.

The rollout follows months of public outreach conducted as part of the county’s draft Solid Waste Action Plan, an update to its 2018 Solid Waste Master Plan. TownLift reported in January that residents identified convenience, cost and access as significant factors influencing whether they recycle or compost. The county’s outreach included public surveys, community meetings and discussions with municipalities, businesses and local waste-reduction organizations.

The resulting draft plan includes 13 strategies intended to reduce the volume of material entering the landfill. County officials estimate the combined measures could extend the landfill’s useful life by 10 years and avoid approximately $50 million in future waste disposal costs. The Summit County Council is expected to consider the plan for approval in August.

The county previously said reaching the 10-year goal would require multiple approaches rather than a single facility or program. Those efforts have included expanding cardboard and metal collection, recycling mattresses and tires, and diverting about 1,600 tons of green waste through a chipping program, TownLift reported in March.

Food waste is also expected to play a major role. Park City Community Foundation has set a goal of diverting all food waste from the Summit County landfill by 2030. The foundation estimates food waste currently consumes nearly half of the landfill’s available airspace. More than 1,500 households and roughly 60 businesses were participating in its Zero Food Waste initiative as of July, according to previous TownLift reporting.

County officials are asking residents to place materials entirely inside the appropriate bins and follow the instructions posted at each location. Garbage, construction debris and other prohibited materials can contaminate recyclables, increase operating costs and make the sites more difficult to maintain.

Illegal dumping carries a minimum fine of $250 under the county’s dumpster ordinance. Summit County plans to install fencing and video surveillance at each site in the coming months.

“These sites belong to the community, and we need everyone’s help to keep them working,” Loveday said. “Following guidelines ensures these locations stay accessible and efficient for all Summit County residents.”

Materials that are not accepted at the neighborhood sites may still be taken to the landfill or to Recycle Utah’s collection center on Woodbine Way, which accepts more than 50 recyclable and reusable materials throughout the year.

A map of the new locations and a complete list of accepted materials are available through the county’s Solid Waste Action Plan website.