FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 12, 2012
Contact:
Debbie Lyons, Salt Lake City Recycling Program Manager
801-535-7795

City Announces New Curbside Glass Recycling Program
Optional  service will  provide residents w/monthly pickup
 
SALT LAKE CITY – In partnership with Momentum Recycling, Salt Lake City will launch a curbside recycling pilot program beginning in October 2012.
 
The optional service will initially be provided in neighborhoods where demand is greatest, based on early sign-ups. Residents can subscribe now by visiting www.slcgreen.com or calling Momentum Recycling at 801-983-3673.
 
City subscribers will be able to place all colors of glass jars and bottles in a bin provided by Momentum Recycling. Residents can also opt to receive a reminder of their monthly collection day via email, text message or phone call.
 
Cost to participate in the voluntary program will be $6 per month. The fee will be included in the City water bill for those who opt in.
 
Momentum Recycling will process the recycled glass from the program into a raw material that can be manufactured into a wide range of products including fiberglass, containers, water filters and other items.
 
“Glass recycling has been challenging in Utah because of limited end markets locally, combined with the expense of shipping glass todistant markets,” said Salt Lake City Recycling Program Manager Debbie Lyons.  “We’re excited that Momentum Recycling has created additional opportunities for our community to recycle glass and reduce our landfill impacts.”
 
Glass collection has a positive impact on wider recycling efforts. When glass is mixed with other recyclables like paper, cardboard and plastic, it often breaks into very small pieces during collection and gets embedded in the other materials, making separating the glass very difficult.  By collecting glass separately at the curbside, or through the drop-off collection points, more than 95 percent of the glass can be captured and recycled.
 
“Momentum Recycling was founded on the goal of diverting as much material away from landfills as possible. Finding ways to maximize glass recycling in our community advances that goal,” said John Lair, president and CEO of Momentum Recycling. “Salt Lake City is showing great leadership in offering curbside glass recycling. We couldn’t be more thrilled for what this means for our community.”
 
Salt Lake City will continue to offer drop-off recycling locations for glass in addition to the new voluntary curbside collection program.
 
For more information about subscribing to curbside glass in Salt Lake City, visit www.slcgreen.com or call Momentum Recycling at 801-983-3673.