C.O. landfills gird for eclipse garbage growth

At the Negus Landfill in Redmond, the first total solar eclipse in 38 years isn’t changing operations.

But everyone is ready, in case it does, said Christopher Shotwell, site supervisor operator at the landfill.

“We’re taking it as it comes and trying to be fluid with it because nobody knows exactly what’s going to happen, so we’re just going to try to stay on top of it,” he said Thursday.

As thousands of people roll into Central Oregon, more garbage is expected, but crews are still waiting for the big haul.

“I don’t think everyone is quite in town yet, and haven’t produced any waste or not very much of it yet. They’re still consuming at this point,” Shotwell said.

In preparation for the eclipse, garbage collection companies have asked customers to set out their bins the night before — with pickups starting at midnight.

“I think the powers that be have put a lot of though and planning and meaning into it,” Shotwell said. “I think they’re pretty ready to meet the challenge for it, and we’ll be here.”

Deschutes County solid-waste officials said the Knott Landfill in Bend plans on having operators start early during the eclipse weekend.

And even without the eclipse crowd, the landfill officials say they’ve seen more garbage this year than past years, much of it being cardboard boxes from people moving to the area.