Yolo County reports fatality at Central Landfill

A refuse truck driver was killed Dec. 10 after an industrial accident involving two trucks at the Yolo County Central Landfill’s compost facility, according to Yolo County officials.

At approximately 7:15 a.m. that morning, two Northern Recycling refuse trucks were unloading at the Woodland, California, facility when one of the trucks had an industrial accident, causing its load to tip over on to the adjacent cab with a driver inside.

The Davis Fire Department arrived on the scene and attempted to rescue the driver. However, the individual was pronounced deceased at the scene. At this time, the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office has investigative authority. The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health is assisting, and the Yolo County Coroner’s Office was on site and notified the victim’s family, according to officials.

Support services are being provided for employees. The Davis Police Department has provided their Trauma and Grief Support team, and Yolo County Human Resources is coordinating with the County’s Employee Assistance Program.

Northern Recycling, headquartered in Paradise, California, is a privately owned waste recycling and composting company contracted with Yolo County. Yolo County leases land to Northern Recycling to operate on site.

“On behalf of the Yolo County Board of Supervisors, our hearts go out to the family, friends and coworkers of the individual who tragically lost their life this morning,” Mary Vixie Sandy, Yolo County Board of Supervisors chair, says in a statement. “We are deeply grateful to the first responders and staff who acted swiftly and professionally under very difficult circumstances. We are committed to supporting all employees and partner agencies affected by this devastating incident.”