Solid Waste Management Plan

Deschutes County prepared a Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP)

Deschutes County – Solid Waste Facts

In 2016, households and businesses generated 240,800 tons of garbage; with an estimated population of 181,000 people that averages to about 2,700 pounds per person each year. This breaks down to:

• 45,000 tons of materials were recycled
• 35,000 tons of yard debris and food waste were composted
• 160,000 tons were disposed at the Knott Landfill

By 2030 it is estimated the amount of waste generated in the County will be almost 300,000 tons per year. 

Why Do A Management Plan ?

Knott Landfill Recycling and Transfer Facility is the only landfill in Deschutes County. The landfill is expected to be full by 2029.  To be prepared for the future, Deschutes County needs to make a plan now.

New state regulations require each county to reduce waste disposal in landfills. Deschutes County’s recovery rate is currently 33%. The County’s new goal is to recover 45% of the waste generated by 2025.

Residents and businesses generate recyclable materials and waste, so they have a role in meeting waste management goals. The plan provides a roadmap for everyone to follow.

Changes to the solid waste system will likely require new or upgraded facilities to be constructed. The plan will evaluate the cost impacts of these facilities to ensure waste management services remain reliable and affordable.

The County Board of Commissioners has directed the Department of Solid Waste to prepare a comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan in 2018.

"Deschutes County will work cooperatively with Cities and service providers to offer citizens and businesses an integrated solid waste management system that delivers quality and cost-effective services while achieving the best use of our resources and reducing waste disposed in landfills."

How Can You Participate ?

The County formed a Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) to work with staff and the consultant team to prepare the Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP).  The Solid Waste Advisory Committee met from January 2018 through April 2019 to develop the plan. All meetings were open to the public.

Visit the Solid Waste Advisory Committee Meetings (SWMP) webpage for the past calendar, agenda, minutes, and other supporting documents.