The annual SLC Neighborhood Cleanup Program for oversize items is back. Collection runs through October. Not everything is appropriate for pickup. Remember these guidelines:
- If it fits in the can, put it in the can.
- Separate green waste from other items in your pile, as it will be composted. Do not bag!!
- Separate mattresses from other items in your pile. These are recycled.
- To dispose of tires, paint, oil, batteries and other hazardous wastes, call the SL County Health Department, 385.468.3863; for flammable or explosive material: 385.468.3862. Many household hazardous waste disposal events happen around town: bit.ly/2oU3pli
- No E-waste. On May 20 or August 9, bring your passé TVs, computers, etc. to the downtown Smith’s collection event, 8am-noon.
- Heavy materials (rocks, sod, concrete, asphalt) must not exceed two wheel barrels full.
- Cardboard: Goes in the blue curbside bin.
- Clothing: Donate. According to EPA data, all textiles are recyclable but only 15% actually are. Even the raggedy stuff has a future life—as home insulation, sports tracks and more.
- Books: Are you kidding? No books. (Blue bin if you absolutely must.)
About three weeks before your cleanup date, you’ll receive a postcard notifying you of your collection week. You can also call 801-535-6999. Dates are not posted online in order to discourage illegal dumping.
The Real Food Challenge started about 10 years ago in California when a student coalition decided the food available on college campuses needed improving.
With input from over 100 industry experts, farmers, ranchers, fishermen and food service operators, the students came up with the Real Food Standards. Criteria included: Was the food that you are eating grown and harvested by workers who received a fair wage and labored under safe and fair working conditions? Grown within 250 miles of you (lowering the food’s over all carbon footprint)? Grown with care not to damage or degrade the environment (ocean, lake, forest, field) where it was produced? Was the meat raised in conditions that supported animal welfare?
Since 2008, a number of colleges have signed onto the Challenge including the University of Utah, the only PAC-12 school to sign on so far.
As a result, the University of Utah began purchasing produce from Salt Lake’s New Roots Farm, a refugee program operated under the International Rescue Committee. Last fall the farm provided nearly 1,000 pounds of produce to University dining halls. Many food vendors on campus are also using a new labeling system to indicate which foods are up to snuff. These labels highlight foods that are humane, eco-friendly, local and fair.
Look for for these food labels at the following University of Utah dining areas: Mom’s Cafe and Mom’s Pantry (Marriott Library), Counsel Cafe (S.J. Quincy College of Law), Peterson Heritage Center Dining Room and Heritage Center (Student Union).