Wasatch Resource Recovery launched a new residential public food waste drop-off program on Aug. 5, 2026, providing North Salt Lake residents a free alternative to landfills to help produce renewable biogas. The initiative seeks to divert household scraps from landfills, where organic matter decomposes slowly and releases harmful methane gas.
New Drop-Off Details
The new drop-off location is situated just inside the gates of Wasatch Resource Recovery at 1370 W Center St, North Salt Lake, UT 84054. The facility operates from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays. The facility is closed on Sundays.
According to Wasatch Resource Recovery, there is no charge for the public to use the drop-off location, though users with more than 15 gallons of material are asked to contact the facility at (801) 266-9161. To minimize odors and messes, the organization suggests placing food waste in clear plastic or bio-bags, noting that their state-of-the-art equipment can remove contaminants like cans and plastic bags.
Accepted and Prohibited Items
The facility accepts a wide variety of household food items, including fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, poultry, grains, pizza crusts, coffee grounds, cheese, pet food, leftovers, eggs, and butter or oils. Unopened canned food may also be dropped off, provided the food is separated from the can and the can is recycled separately. The facility also accepts frozen or expired food.
However, several items remain prohibited at the drop-off site. These include yard waste, wood, empty plastic or cardboard containers, metal cans, wrappers, compostable silverware or containers, and any toxic or hazardous materials. The organization encourages residents to combine trips to reduce vehicle emissions.
The Impact of Food Waste
The push for food waste diversion addresses significant environmental concerns regarding landfill management. According to Wasatch Resource Recovery, a 2018 EPA report found that the residential sector in the U.S. wasted 25 million tons of food. Of that total, 66% was sent to landfills, while only 3% was composted, with the remainder being incinerated or sent to wastewater treatment facilities.
Landfills face significant spatial constraints, as the same 2018 EPA study indicated that approximately 24% of landfill space is occupied by food waste. Because landfills lack the oxygen necessary for rapid decomposition, organic matter does not break down as quickly as expected, instead releasing methane, a harmful greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere.
The Digestion Process
The new program utilizes anaerobic digestion technology to process organic matter. This process functions similarly to an animal's digestive system, using microorganisms to break down biodegradable material in an enclosed, oxygen-free tank. This method converts food waste into biogas and biosolids, which are eventually refined into natural gas and nutrient-rich fertilizer.
Historical Composting Options
The launch of the public drop-off follows years of established waste management and composting options in the region. As far back as March 15, 2024, Recycle Utah had been providing composting information for Summit County, describing composting as nature's own recycling system where microorganisms break down organic matter into nutrient-rich compost.
At that time, Recycle Utah offered various options for residents, including backyard bin composting, electric indoor composters—which can cost between $300 and $800—and vermicomposting, or worm composting, which is ideal for smaller quantities and requires temperatures between 40 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. For those seeking curbside service, Momentum Recycling and the Zero Food Waste Initiative offered weekly collection for a monthly cost starting at $19.50 for a 5-gallon bucket.
County Waste Management
Summit County continues to manage significant waste infrastructure, including the Three Mile and Henefer Landfills. The county provides ongoing information regarding recycling and waste diversion programs to help residents reduce their environmental footprint. Additionally, the county government maintains active safety protocols, such as the current Stage 2 Fire Restrictions in place for the area.
Business Opportunities
As the region continues to expand its sustainability efforts, Wasatch Resource Recovery remains available for business inquiries regarding food waste diversion. Businesses interested in exploring hauling options can contact the facility directly to find sustainable alternatives to traditional disposal methods.
