Salt Lake City proposes $29.3M budget increase for sustainability and waste services

Salt Lake City's sustainability department is set to receive a significant budget boost for the fiscal year 2025-2026, with a proposed budget of $29.36 million, marking a $3.3 million increase from the previous year. This increase is primarily driven by inflationary costs and aims to enhance waste and recycling services, which account for over 90% of the department's budget.

During the June 5, 2025, City Council Work Session, sustainability officials outlined plans for a 10% increase in waste and recycling service fees. This adjustment is part of a multi-year strategy to align fees with inflation and stabilize the department's financial health. The waste and recycling division provides essential services, including curbside recycling and garbage collection, funded primarily through user fees.

The environment and energy division, which focuses on resource conservation and pollution reduction, will maintain its funding structure, relying on annual landfill dividends and a general fund transfer of approximately $1.17 million. However, officials warned that reliance on the fund balance is expected to decrease, necessitating increased general fund support in future years.

The department currently employs 65 full-time staff members and does not plan to increase this number. The budget proposal also includes an updated ordinance to clarify the department's core functions and focus areas.

As the council reviews the proposed budget, the sustainability department emphasizes the importance of these financial adjustments to ensure continued service delivery and environmental stewardship in Salt Lake City. The council is expected to deliberate further on these proposals in upcoming sessions, with a focus on maintaining essential services while addressing the financial challenges posed by inflation and operational demands.