Every municipality faces the challenge of responsible waste management, particularly hazardous waste. Educating the public on proper disposal methods is one part of the equation; convenient access to collection facilities is another.
Salt Lake County’s Health Department currently operates two full service HHW (household hazardous waste) facilities as well as two ABOP (antifreeze, batteries, oil, and paint) facilities. These facilities have collected and disposed of nearly 2,000,000 pounds of HHW on an annual basis, yet they are not utilizing their full potential due to:
- Lack of accessibility to the public due to their locations within the county;
- The facilities being comprised of outdoor structures exposed to Utah’s harsh climate, causing unnecessary strain on facility equipment and personnel.
Recognizing these shortfalls, Salt Lake County hired Blalock and Partners to design a new HHW facility at a more centralized location within the Salt Lake valley. The new 13,000 SF enclosed facility will feature two traffic lanes with a covered drop off area in order to streamline the process for both residents and personnel. The architectural design is intended to invoke a sense of cleanliness as a response to an otherwise messy public service. Construction is anticipated to begin mid-2023 and is designed to meet LEED Gold Certification.