SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): HB177, sponsored by Rep. Douglas Welton, R-Payson calls for a comprehensive study by the Utah Division of Waste Management and Radiation Control aimed at boosting glass recycling in the State. The bill requires the study to be completed by September this year.

The study would cover an inventory of all the current glass recycling methods. It calls for identification of areas that could benefit from glass recycling and exploring the possibilities of increasing curbside recycling and glass recycling drop off locations. Moreover, it would focus on multi-stream options, as opposed to single-stream recycling methods.

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HB177 has been unanimously approved by the House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee. It will now head to the entire House for approval.

Welton noted that glass can be recycled endlessly without compromising on quality. By increasing glass recycling rates, the State could eliminate a major source of waste and extend the life of landfills and create good jobs in the region. Also, innovative glass recycling techniques leads to creation of several useful products that can serve as low-cost alternative for construction materials. Keeping glass out of landfills will contribute to a circular economy, Welton added.

It must be noted that not all Utah cities currently provide curbside recycling options for glass.