SALT LAKE CITY — To conserve resources and reduce air pollution, the city will temporarily suspend the collection of yard waste from Jan. 23 to March 10.
Demand for yard waste collection is low at this time of year, and city officials say suspending services will result in an estimated fuel savings of 5,234 gallons and $10,000, as well as a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to removing 13 passenger vehicles from the road for an entire year.
“Only 1 percent of curbside compost cans are set out for collection in the winter,” Mayor Jackie Biskupski said in a statement. “Halting collection for six weeks is a simple way to conserve city resources and make sure we’re doing everything we can to reduce air pollution.”
In light of the temporary suspension, residents are encouraged to dispose of their Christmas trees no later than their collection day the week of Jan. 16. Ornaments and lights must be removed. Flocked trees will not be taken.
Residents are requested to cut trees into pieces and place them in the yard waste cans. Residents who cannot cut their trees into pieces are encouraged to place them curbside for collection.