BOUNTIFUL—Forty years after the infamous floods of 1983, Utah was once again hit with a surplus of precipitation. Those that were around for those floods knew just how dangerous and damaging they could be and this time, the state was a little better prepared.

In early spring, cities across the state and especially cities near rivers, reservoirs and other bodies of water, began making preparations. Sandbags were dispersed by city officials and residents braced for the worst. 

Thankfully, due to this preparation, flood damage across the state has been kept to a minimum, but it has raised another question for many residents: what to do with those old sandbags. There are a few responsible options, but the City of Bountiful has released a few pointers on what citizens can do now that the flood danger has subsided.

While it is possible to hang on to them for a rainy day, they should not be disposed of in a trash bin or recycling bin, nor should they be placed in a creek or close to the banks where they could fall in and disrupt the natural flow. Officials have said, however, if possible, the sand can be disposed of on personal property.

So, what to do with the bags themselves? Bountiful City officials recommend taking the empty bags to the landfill and while normal dumping fees will apply, it is the most responsible way for both the city and the environment, to dispose of any unwanted sandbags. 

For more information on this process, residents should visit https://www.bountifulutah.gov/Sanitation, or contact Bountiful City.