Knott Landfill - Bend, Oregon Municipal Solid Waste Landfill

Knott Landfill is a municipal solid waste landfill located at 61050 SE 27th Street in Bend, Deschutes County, Oregon, United States. Owned and operated by Deschutes County, the facility has been operational since 1972 and is scheduled for closure in 2029. As a landfill serving the Central Oregon region, it manages waste from residential, commercial, and industrial sources within the county. The landfill operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's RCRA Subtitle D, which governs municipal solid waste landfills, and the Clean Air Act's landfill gas emission standards. As a Subtitle D facility, it must comply with requirements for liner systems, leachate collection, groundwater monitoring, and gas management. The landfill is permitted to accept waste and is subject to Oregon Department of Environmental Quality oversight. Knott Landfill plays a critical role in Deschutes County's waste management infrastructure, providing disposal capacity for the growing Bend metropolitan area. Its closure in 2029 necessitates planning for post-closure care, including long-term monitoring of groundwater and landfill gas. The facility's location in a semi-arid climate with proximity to the Deschutes River underscores the importance of leachate management and groundwater protection.

The landfill is situated in Central Oregon's high desert climate, where low precipitation reduces leachate generation but seasonal snowmelt can pose challenges. Proximity to the Deschutes River and underlying aquifers necessitates robust groundwater monitoring and leachate management to prevent contamination. Landfill gas, primarily methane, is a concern due to its greenhouse gas potential; gas collection systems are typically required to mitigate emissions. Community proximity to Bend's urban area raises considerations for odor control, traffic, and litter management.