#recycling

A few weeks ago, we toured METech, the facility where Recycle Utah sends all collected electronics. METech is an R2v3-certified recycler, meaning it meets the highest standards in electronics recycling: maximizing material recovery and ensuring all data is securely wiped from devices.

Recycle Utah’s electronics are stored until there’s enough to haul to METech’s Salt Lake City facility. There, items are weighed and sorted—especially those containing data storage, which are securely wiped. Most materials are then baled and shipped to their central hub in Gilroy, California.

At the Gilroy facility, motherboards are carefully dismantled by machines that recover valuable metals like gold, palladium, and platinum, separating them for reuse in new electronics. Other devices are shredded and sorted using magnets and eddy currents to recover metal, plastic, and glass. These materials are then sent to manufacturers who use them in products like laptop covers, new electronics, and more.

What surprised me most was the sheer volume—and variety—of items they receive and dismantle for recyclable parts. I even picked up a leather cushion, assuming it was landfill-bound, only to learn it was headed to a leather recycler! That level of detail made it clear that METech is committed to recovering everything possible, beyond just items with a plug or battery. We’re lucky to have one of their facilities so close. Across the U.S., many electronics are trucked hundreds of miles to reach facilities like this.

The EPA estimates that almost 3 million tons of electronics go into U.S. landfills every year. Recycling electronics keeps hazardous materials out of the landfill, and arguably more importantly, lets us reuse valuable non-renewable resources like precious metals, whose extraction is damaging ecosystems, polluting air and water, and causing human rights crises across the globe. 

Seeing METech in action gave me real hope. When done right, electronics recycling truly can close the loop—and we all play a role by choosing to recycle responsibly.

By Chelsea Hafer

With so many sunscreen options out there, it’s easy to get overwhelmed—but not all of them live up to their claims. Some still contain outdated or harmful ingredients. Luckily, growing awareness has pushed the industry toward safer, more effective ingredients. However, it’s still important to be fully informed when purchasing sunscreen and know what to look out for when shopping.

Mineral sunscreens made with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are now top picks for broad-spectrum protection. They’re generally gentler, reef-safe, and FDA-recognized as effective. 

Meanwhile, ingredients like oxybenzone and Vitamin A are being phased out due to health and environmental concerns—both are worth avoiding. Avoid sunscreens containing “fragrance” as an ingredient; these undisclosed blends can include allergens or hormone-disrupting compounds, and without transparency, it’s hard to know what you’re putting on your skin.

Spray sunscreens remain a favorite for convenience, but they come with risks—like inhalation hazards and uneven coverage, especially in windy conditions. Some countries have even issued warnings against them, while the FDA continues to delay safety regulations for aerosol products. 

Don’t be fooled by ultra-high SPF numbers. Anything above SPF 50 adds minimal protection and can lead to overexposure if you’re not reapplying. Some high-SPF products even use “boosters” that may make skin look protected without actually blocking long-term damage. The safest option is to reapply regularly.

If you’re interested in checking your sunscreen for all these variables, the Environmental Working Group’s annual sunscreen guide has assessed over 2,000 SPF products for safety and effectiveness. You can find a list of fully approved sunscreens and more information at ewg.org.

In summary, opt for mineral sunscreens, avoid fragrances, choose lotion over spray, and reapply often. Stay safe this summer by choosing a sunscreen you trust, use, and apply often!

By Chelsea Hafer

Utah is the second driest state in the U.S., making water conservation critical to the sustainability of our communities. While most of our water goes to agriculture in Utah, there are still important ways you can help save water in your own homes, starting with your lawns and gardens!

One of the most effective methods is xeriscaping, a landscaping approach using drought-resistant, water-wise plants that thrive in dry climates. Xeriscaping is growing in popularity across the state, thanks in part to the Utah Landscape Conservation Incentive Program from the Utah Division of Natural Resources. This program offers financial incentives to residents who convert traditional lawns into water-efficient landscapes. To learn more or apply, visit conservewater.utah.gov/landscape-rebates.

If you’re unable to re-landscape, there are still effective ways to reduce water use in your yard. For one, water your lawn during the cooler parts of the day, ideally before 10 a.m. or after 7p.m., when less water is lost to evaporation. Many sprinkler systems can be set on a timer for convenience—just make sure they’re aimed at your lawn and not watering sidewalks or driveways.

Drip irrigation systems are another way to save on water consumption and avoid evaporation. These systems involve installing a small tube running up to an inch below the dirt to release water at a steady rate closer to the roots of the plants. Similarly, Olla’s are used to deliver water directly to the roots of plants in situations in which drip irrigation may not be ideal. This ancient technique involves burying a terracotta pot in the soil and filling it with water; the porous terracotta leaks the water to the roots of the plants at a steady rate and no water is lost to evaporation. Ollas can be purchased at many garden centers, or you can repurpose old terracotta pots on hand.

Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a casual lawn caretaker, there are many easy ways to help conserve water in Summit County. Every drop counts—do your part to make a difference!

By Mia Moore

In Summit and Wasatch counties, residents have several convenient options for recycling soft plastics—the stretchy, scrunchable materials often used for bags and packaging. These include grocery and produce bags, bread and frozen food bags, zip-locks, toilet paper and dry-cleaning bags, bubble wrap, mailers, and more. While all of these items are recyclable, they should not be placed in your curbside recycling bin. Instead, they require special handling.

One option is to drop your soft plastics at Walmart or Smith’s, both of which participate in nationwide Store Drop-off Recycling programs. Look for the green bins near the store entrances. Simply collect your clean and dry soft plastics, place them into a single plastic bag, tie it shut, and deposit it in the bin. Each bin lists acceptable items on the side. The collected plastics are baled by Walmart and Smith’s and sent off to be repurposed. Walmart partners with various shippers to transport the waste to recycling plants, where it’s processed and made into new products like composite lumber and plastic bags. Smith’s specifically collaborates with Trex, the country’s largest producer of wood-alternative decking made from recycled plastics. See plasticfilmrecycling.org for more information.

A third option for Summit County residents is Recycle Utah in Park City. Bring your soft plastics to the “Soft Plastics” bin located inside the plastics tent. The collected material is baled and sent to a materials recovery facility in Salt Lake City, then transported to a plant in Morgan, Utah, where it’s converted into fuel used in cement production.

All three options help divert soft plastics from our landfills and give them a second life in useful products. However, it’s essential to recycle correctly. Any contamination—like food residue or unaccepted items—can cause an entire load to be rejected and sent to the landfill instead. So make sure your items are clean, dry, and approved for recycling. Every small effort adds up to a big impact when it comes to protecting our environment.

By Bev Harrison