Salt Lake City is proposing changes to the zoning ordinance to incorporate a system of regulations and policies that requires the incorporation of recycling service areas and construction waste plans for the purpose of decreasing the amount of materials that enter the landfill, thereby extending its life and also reducing emissions of methane, a landfill and greenhouse gas. What do you think of the new proposed regulations?

Recycling and Waste Reduction

Recycling and Waste Reduction is a system of regulations and policies that attempt to influence new and existing residential, mixed use and commercial developments to add recycling service areas or stations for the purpose of decreasing the amount of materials that enter the landfill, thereby extending its life and also reducing emissions of methane, a landfill and greenhouse gas.  Effective Recycling and Waste Reduction strategies thus will result in more efficient trash collection services, long term cost savings, and extended land fill life while improving public health and promoting sustainable development.

Purposes

1. Preserve natural resources for future generations;
2. Help Salt Lake City better manage and extend the life of its land fill by encouraging recycling and waste reduction practices that will reduce the amount of materials entering the landfill;
3. Minimize the impact of waste on the natural environment by reducing pollutants, greenhouse gases (notably, methane), and chemicals;
4. Reduce the need for raw materials by creating the “civic infrastructure” for buying and utilizing recycled materials and products;
5. Reduce energy consumption by recycling materials instead of using raw materials for new products, which uses more energy.
6. Reduce personal financial expenditure in the economy through the availability of cheaper recycled products; and
7. Reduce municipal expenditures and save taxpayer dollars through more efficient and reduced refuse collection services.

 What are the regulations and how are they applied?

There are 5 different Recycling and Waste Reduction regulations that will apply to certain developments either new or an expansion of an existing development.  The appropriate City staff members will review the plans to ensure the Recycling and Waste Reduction regulations are met. Please see the regulations and applicability table on the next page:

Please review the draft ordinance attached.

Decision Making Process

Amendments to the zoning ordinance are legislative actions that require City Council approval. The following is a summary of the steps in the City review process:

1.  Initial information gathering: Includes compiling background information related to the property, zoning regulations, master plan policies, etc.
2. Community Input: These include open houses, community council meetings, meetings with affected property owners and comments obtained through Open City Hall.
3. Analysis and development of Planning Division Recommendation(s): The Planning Division will take into consideration the potential negative impacts as well as the potential benefits of the proposal and develop a recommendation to the Planning Commission. The results of the analysis and the recommendation will be included in a report to the Planning Commission. The report will be available for public review prior to the Planning Commission public hearing.
4. Planning Commission Public Hearing: The Planning Commission will review the proposal in a public hearing. The Planning Commission will take into consideration the recommendation from the Planning Staff, as well as comments received from the public, and make a recommendation to the City Council.
5. City Council Public Hearing:  The City Council will review the proposal in a public hearing. The City Council will take into consideration the recommendation from the Planning Commission, as well as comments received from the public. The City Council could approve the petitions, deny the petitions, or approve the petitions with conditions.

How Do I Voice My Opinion?

There are three ways that you can participate in the planning process:

1. Provide your comments in this “Open City Hall” discussion forum.
2. Email or send a letter to the project planner.
3. Attend the public hearings.

All comments provided in the “Open City Hall” discussion forum, as well as those sent directly to the project planner will be forwarded to the Planning Commission and City Council for their consideration.

If you have any questions regarding Recycling and Waste Reduction Regulations or the proposal before the city, please contact Ana Valdemoros at ana.valdemoros@slcgov.com or at (801) 535-7236.