The Summit County Landfill at Three Mile Canyon will remain closed on July 4 in observance of the Fourth of July holiday, according to official county service information. The closure affects the availability of the county's free household hazardous waste drop-off program for residents during the holiday period.
Landfill location and hours
The Summit County Landfill, located at 6550 West Three Mile Canyon Road in Coalville, provides a free hazardous waste drop-off service specifically for Summit County residents. To utilize this program, officials note that residents may be required to present proof of residency upon arrival. The facility operates from 8:00 a and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, but remains closed on several major holidays including New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the Fourth of July.
EPA regulations and disposal safety
All hazardous waste accepted at the landfill is managed according to EPA regulations to ensure it is not simply landfilled, but rather properly disposed of. This process is intended to mitigate the risks associated with improper disposal, which can lead to fires or the contamination of soil, groundwater, and drinking water supplies.
Types of accepted materials
The program accepts a variety of materials that pose risks to human health and the environment. According to Recycle Utah, hazardous waste is defined by properties that make it dangerous or capable of harmful effects, ranging from industrial manufacturing wastes to common household items like batteries.
Accepted items at the Summit County Landfill include:
- Paints and solvents
- Automotive waste, such as used motor oil and antifreeze
- Pesticides, including insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides
- Mercury-containing waste, such as thermometers, switches, and fluorescent lighting
- Aerosols and propane cylinders
- Caustencies and cleaning agents
- Batteries
Fees for specific items
While many items are provided free of charge to residents, certain materials require additional fees. These include mattresses, refrigerant-containing appliances, and e-waste, such as computers.
Annual collection event details
In addition to the permanent drop-off site at Three Mile Canyon, Summit County participates in larger-scale collection events. Twice a year, Recycle Utah, Summit County, Park City Municipal, and the Snyderville Basin Water Reclamation District host a Household Hazardous Waste Collection event.
These special events are free to Summit County residents and are held in the Cabriolet parking lot of Canyons Resort. The organizers aim to schedule these collections annually on the last Saturday of April and the last Saturday of September. During these specific collection days, the program can accept all types of household hazardous waste from residents of Summit County only; however, business waste is strictly prohibited and will be turned away.
Benefits of proper recycling
Proper disposal protocols are critical because the storage or disposal of hazardous materials can have significant environmental impacts. Recycle Utah notes that recycling these materials provides benefits such as reducing the consumption of raw materials and decreasing the total volume of waste that requires treatment.
For residents living outside of Summit County, the disposal process differs. Because household hazardous waste must be handled specifically by the resident's home county, individuals from other areas cannot dispose of their waste at the Summit County Landfill and will likely be turned away. Residents of Wasatch, Salt Lake, or Utah counties should contact their specific local county health or solid waste departments for guidance on local disposal regulations and fees.
For those navigating the landfill's location, drivers can reach the facility by taking the Wanship exit off Interstate 80 onto Route 32 and proceeding south for 3.5 miles. The entrance is located opposite the Rockport Reservoir, marked by a street sign for Three Mile Canyon Road.
Inquiries regarding waste services or specific disposal questions can be directed to the landfill at (435) 336-5297.
