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Recycle Utah

Recycle Utah

Nonprofit Summit County, Utah Recycling Center

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food waste

Food Expiration

June 28, 2023 by zerowaste@recycleutah.org

What do food expiration dates really mean? ‘Food product dating,’ according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is voluntary for most products and has nothing to do with safety. It is the manufacturers best guess as to when the product passes the point of peak quality. Produce is easy – we see it and smell it. But what about the other products that hang out in our refrigerators and cabinets?

  1. Baking materials: Vinegars, syrups, honey, vanilla, sugar and salt can last forever without degrading quality. Steel cut or rolled oats can last for a year, instant oats forever. Oils stored in sealed cans are invincible while glass is less sustainable.
  2. Bread, Flour and Rice: Supermarket bread with oils and preservatives can last for weeks in the fridge. White flour and refined white rice can last up to a year or more whereas Whole Wheat, gluten-free flours and brown rice will start degrading after several months. Smell it and always store airtight.
  3. Spices and Nuts: Spices have longevity but lose potency and flavor. Nuts, though, can go rancid within months unless stored in the freezer.
  4. Canned goods and beans: Note that metal lasts longer than glass, which trumps plastic. This includes canned sodas, too. Dried beans and lentils are safe for years.
  5. Eggs and Milk: Eggs can last several weeks after purchasing them. Look for “UHT” or ultra-high temperature on your milk label for longer-lasting milk.

Our landfills contain heaps of food waste. Be smart when you shop – purchase smaller quantities for certain foods, freeze some items and remember that expiration dates are not always true. Your nose is the best test.

By Mary Closser

Filed Under: Sustainable Materials Tagged With: #greentips, #recycle utah, #sustainability, #zero waste, expire, food, food system, food waste

Composting

May 17, 2023 by zerowaste@recycleutah.org

Landfills are filling up and at least 40% of the waste is from our food and yard. This organic waste, along with paper and cardboard, releases a dangerous and potent greenhouse gas, methane. Great news, there are multiple options to compost in Summit County! Recycle Utah holds summer compost workshops to and sells discounted compost bins and buckets. Here’s how to get started today:

  1. Do it yourself: Purchase a bin or make your own (containing tight mesh wire). Select a level, 3”x3” area, partly sunny, at least 6” from a structure or fence. It’s important to learn the correct nitrogen to oxygen ratio in addition to acceptable compostable materials. Check Recycle Utah’s website for summer workshop dates to learn more.
  2. Worm Composter: The key to worm composting is the temperature needs to be 40 degrees or higher to keep the wiggly creatures alive. Attached garages, pantries, or mud rooms are ideal.
  3. Lomi: This is the latest craze. A 16” x 20” device for your kitchen or pantry that turns food waste into soil within two days!
  4. Spoil to Soil:This wonderful new and local compost business supplies a small and large bucket and collects the goodies weekly for a small fee.

Not only is composting becoming more important for our environment, but it’s also scientific and fun for the family. Summit County is working hard to keep food waste out of our landfill – get started today!

By Mary Closser

Filed Under: Sustainable Materials Tagged With: #greentips, #recycle utah, #sustainability, #zero waste, compost, composting, food, food waste, spoil to soil

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(435) 649-9698
1951 Woodbine Way
PO Box 682998
Park City, UT 84068

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Copyright © 2025

  • About
    ▼
    • Our Impact
    • Our Team
    • Job Opportunities
    • Financial Statements
  • Services
    ▼
    • Materials Accepted
    • Remote Glass Recycling Bins
    • Thrift Store
    • Rain Barrels
    • Moving Materials for Sale
    • Self Serve Paper Shredder
    • Recycling Bin Rentals
    • CSA Pick Up
    • Community Trash Cleanups
    • Composting
    • Curbside Recycling
    • Household Hazardous Waste
      ▼
      • Medicine Disposal
  • Education
    ▼
    • Elementary & Adult Education
    • Green Business Program
    • Latinx Outreach
    • Blog
  • Support
    ▼
    • Donate Now
    • Support Recycle Utah’s Plans for the Future
    • Sponsor a Bin
    • Volunteer
    • Shop and Donate
    • Donate Your Car
    • 2024 Supporters
  • Events