Benton County Officials Reverse Course on Coffin Butte Landfill Expansion

Staff initially backed the expansion, then changed their minds twice on the controversial project.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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After initially recommending approval of the Coffin Butte Landfill expansion in Benton County, Oregon, county staff have now reversed course and are advising elected officials to reject the plans. This marks the second time the staff have changed their position on the controversial project.

Why it matters

The Coffin Butte Landfill is a major waste management facility serving the region, but its proposed expansion has faced strong community opposition over environmental and quality-of-life concerns. The county staff's shifting stance reflects the complex and contentious nature of the issue.

The details

Benton County staff initially recommended approving the landfill expansion permit, then changed their minds and advised against it, and have now shifted back to recommending the elected officials reject the plans. The about-face comes as the county continues to weigh the economic benefits of the expansion against the environmental and community impacts.

  • The initial staff recommendation to approve the expansion was made in early 2026.
  • The staff then reversed course and recommended against the expansion in mid-2026.
  • The latest reversal, with staff now advising rejection of the expansion plans, occurred in February 2026.

The players

Benton County

The local government authority overseeing the Coffin Butte Landfill and the proposed expansion plans.

Coffin Butte Landfill

A major waste management facility serving the Albany, Oregon region that is seeking to expand its operations.

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What’s next

The Benton County Board of Commissioners will now consider the staff's latest recommendation to reject the Coffin Butte Landfill expansion plans at an upcoming public hearing.

The takeaway

The shifting positions of Benton County staff on the Coffin Butte Landfill expansion highlight the complex tradeoffs involved, as officials balance the economic benefits against the environmental and community concerns. The final decision by elected leaders will be closely watched by all stakeholders.