For the Olympic Winter Games of 2002 held in Salt Lake City, a joint effort with the organizing committee of the Olympic Winter Games of 2002, local health departments and sewerage agencies was undertaken for waste management. The Division of Water Quality worked closely with the Organizing Committee to manage environmental issues.
The model used in this event was used subsequently in other venues in Europe and Australia. In February 1999, the planning for waste management strategies began. The planning covered various contingencies from severe weather and road conditions to equipment failures. The organizing committee awarded waste management contract to a consortium of five companies having considerable experience in waste management of large public gatherings at all types of events. There were twelve venues holding different events. The Games were supported through six support sites, and ten park and ride sites. Waste management was planned for about a quarter million visitors and support staff. Arrangements were made to bring 2500 portable toilets, 31 restroom trailers for athletes and invited guests, 80 hand wash stations, 90 holding tanks and all available in-place facilities to collect and transport 150,000 gallons per day of wastewater flow, or two million gallons over the duration of the Games. A fleet of 60 tankers, pumper trucks, and other support service trucks were placed in service to transport wastewater to as many as five wastewater treatment plants on Wasatch Front for treatment and disposal; with four additional treatment plants kept in reserve. Only biodegradable deodorants and deicing agents were used for the entire duration of the Games.