Frequently Asked Questions

Curbside Recycling

• Can I Use Only A Recycling Can And Not Have A Garbage Container?

  No. Garbage services are mandatory for the preservation of the health and safety of our community.

• Do All Recyclables Go Into The Same Cart? Do I Need To Separate The Recyclables?

  You do not need to separate acceptable recyclables. Everything can go into the recycling cart together.

• How Do I Opt-Out Of The Program?

  If you would like to opt-out of curbside recycling, contact the city offices at (801)754-3211.

• How often will recyclables be picked up?

  Recyclables will be picked up every other week. Click here to view the current pick-up calendar with additional information.

• Is The Recycling Program Mandatory?

  No, it is not. Current Santaquin homeowners have the option to Opt-Out of curbside recycling. To Opt-Out, contact the city offices at (801)754-3211.  New homeowners will have the option to participate at the time of utility set-up

• What can I recycle? What is not allowed?

  Plastic bottles, aluminum cans, newspapers, and plain cardboard are among the items that can be recycled. Glass, Styrofoam, and food-contaminated items cannot. For a complete list of which materials are acceptable and how to prepare them for recycling, please click here.

• What Did Our Neighboring Cities Save In 2019 By Recycling?

  Our neighbors saved the following:

  • Spanish Fork:
    • 7450 recycling homes
    • 1400 tons or 2,800,000 pounds of recyclables in 2019
    • Approximately $56,000 in disposal savings to the city
  • Elk Ridge:
    • 495 recycling homes
    • 110 tons or 220,000 pounds of recyclables in 2019
    • $4,400 in savings to the city
  • Salem
    • 1294 recycling homes
    • 243 tons or 486,000 pounds of recyclables in 2019
    • $9720 in savings to the city
  • Payson
    • 2205 recycling homes
    • 445 tons or 890,000 pounds of recyclables in 2019
    • Approximate $17,800 in savings to the city
• What Happens If I Don’t Pay?

  The non-payment of services would result in the assessment of late fees, penalties, the potential shut-off of utility services as well as associated collection costs.

• What Happens If I Willfully Put Garbage Into My Recycling Container?

  Solid waste can contaminate an entire truckload of recycled materials which can result in the need to dispose of the full load into the landfill at a cost of per/ton plus the transportation costs, etc. Willful contamination is also a prosecutable offense for which restitution would be sought.

• What Has Republic Services Accomplished In Utah?

  Republic Services has accomplished the following:

  • Currently provide curbside recycling services to over 65,000 homes in 16 different cities and 2 counties
  • Cities are saving approximately $350,000 in combined disposal costs per year
  • For every ton of paper recycled, 60,000 gallons of water are saved
  • We use 70% less energy using recycled products in manufacturing than with raw materials
  • Recycling 1 aluminum can saves enough energy to power a TV for up to 3 hours
• What is the cost?

  The cost to participate in this program is listed in our current fee schedule.

• What Is The Environmental Impact Of Recycling?

  For every ton of paper recycled, 60,000 gallons of water are saved. We use 70% less energy using recycled products in manufacturing than with raw materials. Recycling 1 aluminum can save enough energy to power a TV for up to 3 hours.

   

• Which day of the week will be recyclables be picked up?

  Recyclables will be picked up on Monday or Tuesday mornings by 7 a.m. depending on which route you live in. National Holidays may alter this schedule. Click here to see the schedule and map.

• Who Is Making Money On This Program?

  Please refer to the following information:

  Costs:

  • The cost to the participants is provided in our Fee Schedule.
  • The cost to the city is the amount charged to the participant.
  • The city is not charging any surcharges or administration fees. This is a direct flow-through cost. The city is not getting a per-can “kick-back”.
  • Reduced amount of solid waste deposited into landfills.
  • At the end of each year of service, based on the market for recycled goods and the amounts collected, Santaquin City may receive a small repayment or be assessed a fee for the sale/processing of recycled materials.

  Financial Benefits:

  • Reduced amount of solid waste deposited into landfills.
  • At the end of each year of service, based on the market for recycled goods and the amounts collected, Santaquin City may receive a small repayment or be assessed a fee for the sale/processing of recycled materials.
• Why Did Santaquin City Begin A Recycling Program?

  The Benefits of a Recycling Program Are:

  • Protects the Environment
  • Energy Savings
  • Reduces Landfill Solid Waste
  • Reduces Solid Waste Tipping Fees