Trash & Recycling in Salt Lake City, UT: What Residents Actually Need to Know
If you live in Salt Lake City or are thinking about moving there, trash & recycling are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Salt Lake City has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of trash & recycling, and some of them might surprise you.
Bin Placement Rules
Carts must be placed in the park strip or at the curb with handles toward the house, at least 3 feet apart, and removed from public view within 24 hours of collection.
Key details: Fact: 3 feet clearance required between carts and obstacles. Fact: Handles face the house, wheels toward the street. Fact: Carts stored out of front-street view between collections. Fact: Do not block sidewalks or ADA ramps. Fact: Violations enforced by Civil Enforcement.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Bulk Item Disposal
Salt Lake City offers two on-call bulk waste pickups per year per household through the Call 2 Haul program; appointments must be scheduled in advance.
Key details: Fact: Two on-call bulk pickups per household per year. Fact: Appointments scheduled through Call 2 Haul. Fact: Set out no earlier than day before pickup. Fact: No freon appliances, tires, or hazardous waste. Fact: Size limit of 10 cubic yards per appointment.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Recycling Requirements
Curbside recycling is mandatory for single-family and small multi-family properties; contamination with non-recyclables can result in cart tagging and rejection.
Key details: Fact: Accepts paper, cardboard, metal, #1 #2 #5 plastics. Fact: No glass, plastic bags, or film in curbside bin. Fact: Compost goes in brown cart, not recycling. Fact: Contaminated carts may be left unemptied. Fact: Glass drop-off locations available citywide.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Pickup Rules & Schedules
Salt Lake City Waste and Recycling Division collects trash, recycling, and compost weekly on a zone-based schedule; bins must be curbside by 7 a.m. on collection day.
Key details: Fact: Carts out by 7 a.m. on collection day. Fact: Carts removed within 24 hours after pickup. Fact: Three-cart system: trash, recycling, compost. Fact: Holiday schedule shifts collection by one day. Fact: Chapter 9.08 governs placement and collection.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
The Bottom Line
Salt Lake City's trash & recycling rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Salt Lake City is broadly strict or permissive.
These rules come from Salt Lake City's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.