U.S. cities are using eco-friendly de-icing blends like beet juice to cut salt use and protect waterways.

Cities nationwide are adopting eco-friendly de-icing mixtures like beet juice, molasses, pickle brine, and cheese brine to reduce reliance on traditional salt. Over 20 million tons of salt are used annually, contributing to rising chloride levels in waterways and damaging ecosystems and infrastructure. Cities such as Converse, Texas, are blending beet juice—typically at 20% concentration—with salt brine, improving effectiveness down to -20°F while cutting salt use. Other alternatives include molasses and beer waste. Though salt remains necessary, these mixtures help lower environmental impact and maintain road safety.