Salt Lake City, UT Trash & Recycling: Mandatory Organics Recycling (2026)
Key Facts
- Default enrollment
- Automatic with every refuse account
- Allowed scraps
- Fruit and vegetable kitchen waste only
- Opt-out
- Written request to Sustainability Dept.
- First-offense fine
- $25 civil citation
- Enforcing agency
- Salt Lake City Dept. of Sustainability
Summary
Every Salt Lake City residence with a refuse container is automatically issued a green waste bin for yard trimmings and fruit or vegetable scraps at no extra charge, though owners can opt out in writing under Chapter 9.08.
Each residence with at least one city issued refuse container shall be issued at least one green waste container. ... Owners or property managers of residences may opt out of green waste collection service, but shall comply with section 9.08.095 of this chapter.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-21: Code current through: Ord. 40-26, passed June 16, 2026).
Full Breakdown
The Department of Sustainability bundles a green waste container with every city refuse account under Salt Lake City Code Section 9.08.030, and residents pay nothing extra for it. The bin takes yard waste plus discarded fruit and vegetable scraps from the kitchen, as long as they aren't mixed with other trash (Section 9.08.095). Owners who don't want the service must opt out in writing; skip that step or contaminate the bin with regular garbage and the city can cite the account -- $25 for a first offense, $50 for a second within six months, $100 for a third.
Violations & Fines
Skipping the opt-out and contaminating the green waste bin draws civil citations: $25 first offense, $50 second within six months, $100 third; the city can also pull the container.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to sign up for green waste collection in Salt Lake City?
Can I put meat or dairy scraps in the green waste bin?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Salt Lake City
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