Sustainable Transportation in Salt Lake City
Driving less in Salt Lake City
I’ll be honest, I don’t think SLC is the easiest place to get around without a car. Between the heat, snow, and hills, walking and biking can be tough. In addition, the valley is so spread out and I think the local public transit system is lacking. For example, I only live about 3 miles away from where I work, and can get there in about 10 minutes depending on traffic. I’ve looked at the bus schedule, and I would have to leave about 45 minutes early to get to work on time. No thanks. I know others that live at the other end of the valley, and it takes them up to a couple hours on Trax. If they can catch the last train, that is. Not very suitable for shifts at odd hours.
Having said that, please consider how you might be able to use these sustainable modes of transportation as much as they feasibly work for you.
- If you have the option and you won’t go crazy, consider telecommuting.
- Walk or bike when you can. If you don’t have a bike, try GREENbike, the local bike rideshare. A single 60 minute trip will cost you $3, and there are a variety of other pass options all the way up to an annual pass for $75.
- Bike to the nearest UTA bus stop and use the bus or train bike racks. UTA also has multiple park and ride lots throughout the valley.
- Carpool or ride-share. UTA has a resource to help you find people to share a ride.
- Utilize public transportation, aka UTA.
- If you own an EV, here’s a list of charging stations around the city.
We know these things, and I absolutely know they are often much less convenient than driving alone. But really take a moment to consider utilizing one of these methods even one day each week.
Have you figured out a way to make getting around SLC without a car work? Leave a comment and share what works for you.
To learn about ways to drive more sustainably, click here.
Reduce transportation-related waste
What to do with old bikes in Salt Lake City
The Bicycle Collective is a non-profit that focuses on refurbishing donated bicycles and putting them into the hands of those in need. You can donate just about anything bike-related to them, and they also sell refurbished bikes and parts.
They accept:
- All types of bikes (road, hybrid, mountain, bmx, tandem, etc). Can be donated even if not in working condition; they will pull off the usable parts and recycle the rest.
- All sizes of bikes (adult & child)
- Bike parts of any kind
- Tools of any kind
- Accessories in good condition (undamaged helmets that are less than 5 years old, bike pumps, lights, locks, racks, baskets)
- Gently used cycling clothing and shoes
- Old (clean) t-shirts and dish towels that they can turn into rags for their shop
Unusable bike frames or any other metal parts can be recycled at a metal scrap recycler. Tires can be recycled at Liberty Tire (along with vehicle tires), or at Recycle Utah in Park City.
What to do with old vehicles
Donate an old car, truck, motorcycle, RV, or boat to your favorite non-profit or charity. Numerous organizations will take the donation of a vehicle, utilizing the proceeds from its salvage. See what charities accept vehicle donations here.
Auto recycling in Salt Lake City
Locally-owned auto recyclers:
Car fluid disposal
Don’t pour automotive fluids down the drain or in the gutter, which pollutes wastewater.
Antifreeze Disposal
The following are the only locations I can find that accept antifreeze for disposal, along with other hazardous wastes.
Used motor oil disposal
Used motor oil can be disposed of at most auto parts or service locations such as Jiffy Lube, Autozone, or O’Reilly.
In addition, you can take used motor oil to the Salt Lake Valley or Trans-Jordan landfills, Mark Miller Subaru, or Pick N Pull. Find more locations on this full list of used oil collection centers in Salt Lake County.
Tire Recycling in Salt Lake City
Tire recycling in Utah is done by Liberty Tire. Drop off bike or auto tires or use the SLC’s Call2Haul bulk collection service.
For more car part recycling and disposal information, click here.