For the past five years Bit by Bit and the Bradley's have been fighting the Coffin Butte Landfill expansion. ​Originally, the landfill was to close when it was full and was never intended to take trash from 25 additional counties – as operations have expanded, Republic Services and Valley Landfill have been motivated to enlarge the landfill, keep it in operation, and (presumably) protect the increased revenue stream. ​

 

Bit by Bit is located on the Bradley's property which is bordered on two sides by the landfill, and is also their residence. As Coffin Butte has expanded, increasing amounts of trash now blow over the ridge and buffer forest which once provided some protection. The air is now polluted with toxic chemicals which pool in the barn. The horses have developed coughs, hives and allergies - the air is not safe for the people we serve, our volunteers or animals.

 

​For Bit by Bit to continue to operate will require moving. Republic Services was approached with a request that they compensate for the landfill’s negative impacts by purchasing the property for an amount adequate to permit relocation; Republic’s response was that they were not interested. ​Unfortunately, the negative impacts have dramatically diminished the property's market value. Selling will not provide a sufficient return to purchase an alternative location; suing Republic is not an option due to the expense of taking legal action against a deep-pocketed corporation, so relocation is not possible. ​Bit by Bit is currently operating in a temporary location, but if an alternative is not found, we will close.