Summit County officials recently formally launched an update to the region’s long-range waste management strategy, introducing a proposed county-wide ordinance that would mandate recycling for businesses operating within the county. The initiative, presented as an action plan addendum to the 2018 Solid Waste Master Plan, aims to extend the operational lifespan of the Three Mile Canyon Landfill by approximately 10 years, pushing projected capacity from 2053 to 2063. For campground operators, RV park owners and glamping resort managers in Summit County, the proposal signals a significant shift in how commercial properties will be expected to handle waste streams in the coming years.
The county has set an ambitious target of reducing solid waste volume by one-third annually, with County Solid Waste Superintendent Tim Loveday and Deputy Manager Janna Young identifying commercial diversion as a critical lever in reaching these goals. The mandate would specifically target high-volume commercial waste streams including cardboard and food scraps, aligning Summit County’s waste diversion with Park City. For outdoor hospitality properties, these two waste categories represent substantial portions of daily operations, from cardboard packaging arriving with supplies to food waste generated at camp stores, restaurants and guest sites throughout properties.
Outdoor hospitality operators face distinct challenges when implementing waste diversion programs compared to traditional brick-and-mortar businesses. Guests unfamiliar with local recycling rules, combined with short-duration stays and waste generated at dispersed locations across sprawling properties rather than centralized areas, create complexities that require thoughtful solutions. RV parks and campgrounds that fall under this proposed ordinance will need to develop strategies addressing these unique operational realities while meeting compliance requirements.
Strategic placement of recycling stations at high-traffic areas offers one of the most effective approaches for increasing guest participation. Positioning containers near dump stations, bathhouses, camp stores and property exits ensures visitors encounter recycling options during routine activities. A general principle in waste management remains consistent: convenience drives compliance. When recycling bins are as accessible as trash receptacles, guests demonstrate significantly improved sorting behavior without requiring constant staff intervention.
Infrastructure developments moving forward alongside the mandate will support compliance efforts for businesses throughout the region. A land conveyance agreement scheduled for consideration by the Park City Council on Feb. 3, 2026, would secure a permanent 4.18-acre site for Recycle Utah in Silver Summit. The facility is intended to serve as a central hub for expanded diversion services, ensuring businesses and residents have adequate access to recycling infrastructure as new requirements take effect. For outdoor hospitality operators, this expanded regional infrastructure will make compliance more feasible by providing accessible drop-off locations and processing capacity for diverted materials.
Clear visual communication proves essential when educating guests about proper waste sorting procedures. Picture-based signage rather than text-only instructions helps overcome language barriers common among travelers from diverse backgrounds and improves sorting accuracy across all demographics. Color-coded bins following standardized schemes recognized throughout the hospitality industry—typically blue for recyclables, green for compost and black or gray for landfill waste—reduce contamination rates while requiring minimal explanation. Front desk staff and housekeeping teams who understand recycling protocols can reinforce proper practices during check-in and throughout guest stays, creating multiple touchpoints for education.
Summit County released results from a Flash Vote survey conducted to gauge public sentiment on waste habits and priorities, with 381 residents providing responses that offered officials a baseline understanding of community obstacles to recycling and composting. The county announced upcoming in-person public engagement events to discuss the proposed mandate, including an outreach booth at the North Summit vs. South Summit basketball game in Coalville on Feb. 6, 2026, and a formal open house at the Mountain Regional Water Building in Snyderville Basin on Feb. 10, 2026. Outdoor hospitality business owners operating in the county would benefit from attending these sessions to provide input on how the mandate would affect their specific operations and learn more about implementation timelines.
Just as the county is investing in resident education through surveys and community events, campground and RV park operators benefit from establishing guest education programs that set clear expectations from the moment of reservation. Many successful properties include recycling expectations in welcome packets or digital guest communications sent prior to arrival. This proactive approach reduces confusion on-site while preparing visitors to participate in diversion programs without friction.
Modern outdoor recreation travelers increasingly consider environmental practices when selecting accommodations, a trend particularly pronounced among camping and glamping guests who choose outdoor stays specifically because of their connection to nature. Properties that implement visible sustainability initiatives often report stronger guest satisfaction scores and increased repeat bookings. Participation in green certification programs signals commitment to environmental stewardship and can be featured prominently in marketing materials, while properties meeting certain thresholds often receive increased visibility on booking platforms incorporating sustainability filters into their search algorithms.
Glamping resorts and campgrounds with restaurants or prepared food offerings should note that food scraps were specifically named as a target waste stream in the county proposal. Implementing back-of-house composting programs allows properties to address this requirement while potentially reducing disposal costs. Separating food scraps at the source is widely understood to be more effective than attempting to sort mixed waste after disposal. Beyond composting, waste reduction strategies such as bulk toiletry dispensers in bathhouses, reusable dishware at camp stores and water bottle refill stations reduce single-use packaging entering the waste stream entirely.
The financial case for waste diversion extends beyond avoiding compliance penalties. Reducing landfill-bound waste volume typically lowers hauling costs over time, and properties with effective recycling and composting programs often see decreased tipping fees. Summit County’s explicit goal of reducing waste volume by one-third annually reflects broader regional pressure on landfill capacity. As disposal costs rise in destination areas experiencing capacity constraints, operators who adapt early position themselves for long-term savings rather than reactive scrambling when enforcement begins.
Properties that proactively establish diversion programs before mandates take effect typically experience smoother transitions and avoid the operational disruptions that accompany last-minute compliance efforts. The upcoming public engagement opportunities provide business owners a chance to understand requirements, ask questions and potentially influence implementation details. Meanwhile, digital guest engagement tools including reservation confirmation emails, mobile apps and digital check-in systems offer opportunities to communicate recycling expectations before visitors arrive, reducing printed materials while ensuring guests understand what participation looks like at the property level.
The county’s public engagement efforts signal growing local awareness of waste issues that will inevitably extend to visitors choosing accommodations in the region. Outdoor hospitality properties that align their operations with community environmental values strengthen relationships with local governments and residents while simultaneously appealing to the environmentally conscious travelers who increasingly dominate the camping and glamping marketplace. As Summit County moves forward with this mandate, operators who view compliance as an opportunity rather than a burden will find themselves well-positioned to capture both cost savings and the loyalty of environmentally conscious guests seeking destinations that share their values.