Remondis Australia Pty Ltd has been fined $42,000 for two offences by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA), in response to persistent odour issues at its Lake Macquarie Organics Resource Recovery Facility near Awaba.
In June 2025, the EPA received over 70 odour complaints linked to the facility following heavy storms in May that dumped more than 350mm of rain. The rain left organic material on site waterlogged, resulting in strong odours.
In response, the EPA undertook odour surveys in the community, performed site inspections at the Facility and issued a Clean-Up Notice in July, requiring Remondis to bring in independent experts to investigate site management and report back with solutions.
EPA Director Operations David Gathercole said odour complaints have reduced significantly since early July but the penalties and work still required under the Clean-up Notice reflect the seriousness of the earlier impacts.
"We've heard the community loud and clear. These odours are unacceptable, and the facility's operator must lift its performance," Mr Gathercole said.
"The two penalty infringement notices have been issued for the alleged emission of offensive odours and for failing to properly maintain a leachate drain, which helps manage contaminated water on site.
"As well as longer-term work Remondis will also be required to update us on the immediate steps they're taking to prevent and minimise odours at the site.
"This facility has had odour issues in the past and this work is about making sure the problems don't return.
"While the facility plays an important role in diverting organic waste from landfill, it must operate properly, efficiently and without impacting the local community. We'll continue to monitor it closely."
The Remondis facility processes kerbside food and garden organics (FOGO) collected from Lake Macquarie households. It operates independently from the adjacent Awaba Waste Management Facility.
To stay updated on odour management at this site, visit the EPA website.
