CLEARFIELD, Utah — In response to overwhelming requests from local residents, Clearfield is moving forward with a new green waste program. The city, in partnership with Wasatch Integrated Waste Management, aims to provide residents with a convenient way to recycle green waste while helping to extend the life of the Davis County landfill.
The program, which is expected to impact up to 7,000 households that utilize Clearfield Utilities, was prompted by a series of requests made to city council members by residents who expressed a strong desire for more sustainable waste management options. Shaundra Rushton, the communications manager for the City of Clearfield, said the initiative comes after numerous residents voiced their concerns about waste diversion and landfill sustainability.
“We had a lot of residents come to City Council members and say, ‘We want a green waste program,’” said Rushton. “A lot of people are passionate about recycling and doing their part for the environment.”
The new green waste program is designed to reduce the amount of waste sent to the landfill by providing residents with an easy way to dispose of yard waste and organic materials. Nathan Rich, the executive director for Wasatch Integrated Waste Management, highlighted the environmental and community benefits of the program. He emphasized that diverting green waste away from the landfill would help preserve valuable space in the facility, which has a limited lifespan.
“To increase the amount of ways that people can divert waste out of their garbage can is crucial, especially with the limited space in the Davis landfill,” Rich explained.
The green waste program will run from April to November, with collections taking place monthly at a cost of $10.50 per month. During the winter months, from December to March, the green waste container will be treated as a regular second garbage can. This setup allows residents to continue using the service year-round while minimizing waste.
While the program aims to make a positive environmental impact, some residents have expressed concerns about the additional fees. In response, the city has given residents until March 14 to decide whether they want to participate in the program. Those who choose not to participate will not incur the monthly charge.
Rich expressed hope that more cities will follow Clearfield’s example in the future, noting the importance of robust recycling programs. “Anything that we can divert from the garbage can, we don’t have to haul 100 miles away. We’re encouraging other cities to implement similar programs to reduce waste and protect the environment,” Rich said.
As Clearfield moves forward with the green waste initiative, it remains to be seen how the program will evolve and whether other municipalities in Davis County and beyond will adopt similar strategies to address the growing need for waste diversion and sustainability.