Covered and Secured Loads

Watch this video for more information - How to Cover & Secure Your Load

It is important to cover and secure you load, including when transporting materials to Coffin Butte Landfill, Republic Services Recycling Depot, or to donation centers.

Improperly covered and secured loads will be assessed an additional $10 fee at Coffin Butte Landfill.

As you transport a load in an open trailer, truck bed or car with an unsecured tailgate, there are variables such as: high wind speeds, abrupt stops and starts, and weight shift, that have the potential to cause material to fall or blow away from your vehicle. 

When this happens, it not only adds to the roadside litter, which leads to public cleanup cost, but also can be hazardous.  According to a study released by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, more than 200,000 crashes involved debris on U.S. roadways during the past four years, and nearly 37% of all deaths in road debris crashes resulted from the driver swerving to avoid hitting an object. 

To ensure your load is fully covered and secure, follow these simple tips:

• Cover your entire load with a sturdy tarp.
• Tie or strap large items directly to your vehicle or trailer.
• Avoid overloading vehicle.
• Make multiple trips if needed.

In recent years, Benton County has partnered with Republic Services to raise awareness and provide education to recognize National Secure Your Load Day. This year we have teamed up to increase those efforts, which include:

• Providing on-the-spot education at the landfill scale house
• Increasing roadside cleanup crews
• Incentive for properly covered and secured loads at the landfill
• Distributing and installing signage and outreach materials both around the landfill and in the surrounding communities