How the Church of Jesus Christ of LDS Manages Waste Sustainably

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has implemented extensive sustainability initiatives to manage material waste responsibly. At the Salt Lake City Print Center, where Church publications, scriptures, and sacrament materials are produced, recycling is a priority. The facility recycles approximately 220 tons of paper, 40 tons of plastic, and 2-3 tons of aluminum each month. Even dust generated during the production process is collected and repurposed. Sacrament cups are now made entirely from 100% recycled plastic, a shift that has reduced environmental impact compared to previous mixed-material versions.

Beyond printed materials, the Church also focuses on electronic waste management. Old electronics from over 6,500 meetinghouses, temples, and Church facilities across the U.S. are processed in Salt Lake City. Usable devices are donated to programs such as BYU-Pathway Worldwide and genealogy initiatives, while non-reusable parts are recycled through professional firms like TAMS to prevent landfill waste.

Sustainability efforts extend globally, with initiatives in Latin America leading the way. In Peru and Ecuador, Church-owned stores now provide reusable shopping bags, while the Brazilian Distribution Center repurposes 2,000 pounds of cardboard packaging each month. Additionally, recycled plastic bottles are used to create shirts for youth conferences, and composting initiatives are helping reduce organic waste.

Church leaders emphasize that environmental stewardship aligns with their faith, viewing sustainability as a sacred responsibility. By integrating recycling, waste reduction, and innovative sustainability practices, the Church continues to lead by example in responsible resource management.

For more details, refer to the original article on Church Newsroom.