New program encourages downtown businesses to recycle glass and save money
Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker announced a new glass recycling program for local businesses today, helping the downtown community kick off a New Year’s resolution to be more environmentally conscious.
The new program will be offered by Momentum Recycling, LLC and is being sponsored by the Downtown Alliance for restaurants, hotels, bars and other businesses in the Central Business District. The Mayor was joined by members of downtown’s business community and by Salt Lake City Council Member Luke Garrott who represents the central city.
The program capitalizes on the close proximity of restaurants, bars and other glass consuming businesses in the Capital City’s downtown. Momentum Recycling will pick up and deliver all glass to The Glass Recycling Group (GRG) which supplies crushed glass to Owens Corning to manufacture fiberglass insulation.
Removing heavy and voluminous materials from the waste stream can dramatically reduce the cost of landfill waste hauls. In addition to collection service, Momentum provides consultation on waste reduction, recycling training for clients, promotion of clients’ commitment to minimizing their organizations’ impact on the environment, quarterly diversion rate estimates and a quarterly newsletter.
Organizers say they would like to have 20 to 30 local businesses participate in the first phase of the program. Squatters, Tin Angel, Takashi, Settebello, Café Molise, Martine, Red Rock Brew Pub, the Alta Club, the Hilton Downtown, Marriott Downtown and Hotel Monaco have all agreed to help launch the program.
“Downtown is committed to finding innovative ways to promote environmental sustainability,” said Jason Mathis. “This new program is the right thing to do for the environment and for the bottom line of local business. We applaud Momentum, local businesses and our city officials for making this new glass recycling project a reality.”
The Downtown Alliance is dedicated to building a dynamic and diverse community that is the regional center for culture, commerce and entertainment. For more information, visit downtownslc.org.
