Building on spring success, Salt Lake City launches winter landscaping equipment exchange

Oct. 22, 2024

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In anticipation of upcoming winter weather, Salt Lake City's landscaping equipment exchange program will directly help residents recycle gas-powered wintertime tools, further expanding the City's efforts to reduce air pollution.

As part of the City's Clean Air SLC initiative, the program is now open to Salt Lake City residents interested in switching to electric winter landscaping tools, including snow blowers, snow shovels, or leaf blowers.

"We're providing residents with the tools they need to immediately improve their neighborhood's air quality," said Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall. "We must keep reducing emissions, and municipalities are important actors in leading the charge. Salt Lake City will continue real action to mitigate air pollution so residents and visitors can enjoy a healthy environment with cleaner air year-round."

From October 22 until October 29 at noon, residents may apply to recycle their eligible equipment in exchange for a voucher to purchase electric tools. Residents without gas-powered equipment to exchange may also apply. Depending on the equipment type and whether a gas-powered tool was recycled, the voucher will be valued between $49-$598.

Despite its smaller size, gas-powered landscaping equipment significantly contributes to local air pollution. The Utah Department of Environmental Quality estimates a 4-stroke gas-powered snow blower emits as much pollution in one hour as driving a car 908 miles-about the distance roundtrip from Salt Lake City to Las Vegas. Similarly, using a gas-powered leaf blower for one hour produces the same amount of particulate pollution as driving a car 727 miles.

"For years, we've heard that Salt Lake City residents would like the City to offer a snow blower exchange," said Debbie Lyons, Director of Salt Lake City's Department of Sustainability. "I'm excited to say it's here. Along with the leaf blowers and battery-powered snow shovels, I'm looking forward to seeing what this program will deliver to residents in terms of clean air and cost savings."

Salt Lake City residents can apply by visiting https://www.slc.gov/sustainability/landscaping/. The program is lottery-based, and recipients will be notified by early November. Salt Lake City has partnered with three specific Home Depot and ACE Hardware locations where residents can redeem their vouchers.

This winter equipment exchange builds on the success of the program's initial launch earlier this year, which focused primarily on warm-weather tools. In the spring, Salt Lake City residents recycled 707 gas-powered lawnmowers, string trimmers, and leaf blowers for electric equipment, resulting in the reduction of 5,869 pounds of pollution annually. 'Clean Air SLC' was recommended by Mayor Mendenhall and funded in FY2023-24 by the City Council.

Clean Air SLC is an initiative to distribute equipment and information that helps Salt Lake City residents improve air quality in their communities and inside their homes. It was recommended by Mayor Mendenhall and funded in FY2023-24 by the City Council. To learn more, visit slc.gov/sustainability/cleanair/.