A preliminary rendering of the new Recycle Utah facility in Silver Summit. Photo: Recycle Utah
PARK CITY, Utah — Recycle Utah has unveiled preliminary plans for a new recycling and sustainability hub in Silver Summit, offering the public its first look at the facility that will replace the nonprofit’s longtime home on Woodbine Way.
The organization shared the preliminary renderings Saturday during its annual 100 Mile Meal fundraiser. With just over four acres of land to utilize, the preliminary designs include expanded areas for material drop-off and processing, along with classrooms, a hands-on repair space, an expanded thrift store, and an indoor-outdoor café and event area.
Recycle Utah also announced plans to partner with Lucky Ones Coffee to operate an on-site café and Wasteless Solutions to rescue and redistribute edible food.
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“This project is about much more than building a bigger recycling center,” Executive Director Andy Hecht said in a statement. “We have an opportunity to create a community ‘third space’ where sustainability becomes part of everyday community life.”
The renderings follow a community feedback process conducted throughout the spring and early summer. Recycle Utah previously asked residents what they wanted to see in the future facility, saying the input would help shape the design and programming.
“What we heard clearly was that our community wants Recycle Utah to be more than a place just to recycle,” Board Chair Heleena Sideris said of the survey results. “They see it as a place to learn, connect, reuse, and engage more deeply in sustainability.”
Next steps
Recycle Utah estimates construction of the permanent facility will cost between $5 million and $7 million, though Hecht emphasized that the figure remains an early working estimate rather than a finalized project budget.
The 4.18-acre parcel where the facility will be located is valued at $3.1 million and the relocation was made possible through a partnership with Summit County and Park City Municipal.
“[Park City and Summit County’s] work to make the property on Paintbrush Road available gave the project its foundation,” said Hecht. “Without that land partnership, we would not have reached this point.” He also noted the county’s support of the project through eligible fee waivers and ongoing planning coordination.
The organization plans to undertake a capital campaign supported by individuals, foundations, corporate partners, and the broader community to fund construction of the permanent facility, according to Hecht.
The building is part of a three-phase transition, with the organization currently focused on moving out of its Woodbine Way location and establishing temporary operations on the Paintbrush Road property. The second phase will focus on fundraising and additional planning before construction of the permanent home.
Recycle Utah had previously explored a larger regional recycling facility with an estimated price tag of about $25 million.
Hecht said the organization does not want to overbuild the new facility but wants it to have enough capacity and flexibility to support its programs and community needs for decades to come.
“We have been listening to what our community wants and have worked hard to translate that vision into our plans for the building, and we are excited to continue to engage with our community as the plans evolve,” Chelsea Hafer, education director for Recycle Utah, said of the event.
The event is free and will include a presentation from Recycle Utah staff, an opportunity to view the renderings, and time for questions and discussion.
