The recycling center near the Pendleton Round-Up Grounds will be removed Friday, Sept. 11, to make way for the Round-Up. The center, operated by Pendleton Sanitary Service, will re-open on Monday, Sept. 21.

Sheriff John Trumbo, Round-Up’s security director, said closing the drop-off bins is essential to the smooth operation of the rodeo.

“Needless to say, traffic volume in the area of Southwest 18^th Street increases dramatically during Round-Up,” he said. “By closing the lot, we are in a much better position to manage the increased volume. Additionally, we are able to park 45 rough stock contestants on the lot, which helps us manage the lack of adequate parking which has haunted the Round-Up for many years.”

Pendleton Sanitary Service can still accept items for recycling at its location at 5500 N.W. Rieth Road. The service will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, but will be closed on Friday, Sept. 18.

Trumbo hopes people will plan recycling deposits in advance if going to the Rieth Road location is inconvenient for them.

“The Pendleton Round-Up Association certainly appreciates the public’s understanding with the temporary closing of the Pendleton Sanitary recycling lot during Round-Up,” he said.

Although Round-Up’s official dates are Sept. 16-19, ancillary events including the concert and the U.S. Bank/Pendleton PBR Classic begin Sept. 12, which dramatically increase the traffic in the area of the recycling station.