Landfill Search Ends for Missing Loveland Man

Four-day effort at Larimer County landfill does not locate 57-year-old Carl Smith

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Despite extensive efforts, the Larimer County Sheriff's Office has concluded a four-day search at the Larimer County landfill without locating a 57-year-old Loveland man who was last seen entering a dumpster in January. Authorities say foul play is not suspected, and there is no known risk to community safety, but the man remains listed as a missing person.

Why it matters

The disappearance of Carl Smith has raised concerns in the Loveland community, with authorities undertaking an extensive search operation at the local landfill in an effort to find answers. While the search did not yield any results, it highlights the challenges law enforcement can face in missing persons cases, especially when the trail goes cold.

The details

On January 17, 2026, deputies received a report that Carl Smith was missing. Authorities determined his last known location in the Loveland area and obtained security footage showing Smith entering a dumpster but not exiting. A short time later, a garbage truck emptied the dumpster and transported its contents to the Larimer County landfill. Based on this information, the Larimer County Sheriff's Office launched an extensive search at the landfill, involving investigators, a forensics team, emergency services, search and rescue, the coroner's office, and landfill staff. Over four days, they combed through an estimated 10,000 cubic yards of solid waste in the section where the truck deposited its load, using heavy equipment, hand tools, cadaver dogs, and drones.

  • On January 17, 2026, deputies received a report that Carl Smith was missing.
  • In the days following, authorities obtained security footage showing Smith entering a dumpster but not exiting.
  • A short time later, a garbage truck emptied the dumpster and transported its contents to the Larimer County landfill.
  • The Larimer County Sheriff's Office launched an extensive four-day search at the landfill starting in late January 2026.

The players

Larimer County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency responsible for investigating the disappearance of Carl Smith and conducting the extensive search operation at the Larimer County landfill.

Carl Smith

A 57-year-old Loveland man who was reported missing after being last seen entering a dumpster in January 2026.

John Feyen

The Larimer County Sheriff who commented on the search efforts and the value of human life.

Brent Manley

The Larimer County Sheriff's Office investigator who is asking the public for any information that may assist in the case.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“While many questions remain unanswered, our team went to considerable efforts in hopes of locating Mr. Smith. We couldn't have gone to such lengths without the hard manual labor of our crew and help of our partners at Larimer County Solid Waste and LCSAR. All human life holds value, and these folks demonstrated that through their unwavering dedication to this tough operation.”

— John Feyen, Larimer County Sheriff (Larimer County Sheriff's Office)

What’s next

Investigators have not determined why Smith entered the dumpster, and authorities say foul play is not suspected. Smith remains listed as a missing person, and anyone with information that may assist in the case is asked to contact Investigator Brent Manley.

The takeaway

The unsuccessful search for Carl Smith at the Larimer County landfill highlights the challenges law enforcement can face in missing persons cases, especially when the trail goes cold. While the search did not yield any results, it demonstrates the dedication and efforts of the Larimer County Sheriff's Office and its partners to try to locate the missing man and provide answers to the Loveland community.