The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has issued a Clean-Up Notice to Remondis Australia Pty Ltd to address odour issues at the Lake Macquarie Organics Resource Recovery Facility near Awaba, following severe weather in May 2025.
Last month the site received more than 350mm of rainfall during the major storm event that impacted the region. Waterlogged organic material remaining on site is now suspected to be generating odours, made worse by cold weather conditions preventing warm air from dispersing.
EPA Executive Director Operations Jason Gordon said the Clean-Up Notice follows more than 70 odour reports made to the EPA's Environment Line in the past two weeks.
"This Clean-Up Notice requires Remondis to identify and quantify odour sources on site, engage independent specialists to review site practices, and provide reports outlining their findings and effective control measures for the future," Mr Gordon said.
"We've heard and understand the community's concerns here, and we're taking strong action to ensure the site operator addresses them and reduces these odours.
"In the last fortnight we've undertaken community odour surveys and unannounced inspections prior to issuing the Clean-Up Notice, and we will continue to monitor the site until this odour issue is resolved.
"While this facility plays an important role in diverting organic waste from landfill, it must operate without impacting the local community. We expect all licensed operators to uphold high environmental standards, regardless of the weather conditions.
"FOGO is not only a great circular solution for food waste, but it also drives down emissions, with more than half of NSW Councils offering the service. When managed correctly it has huge environmental upside."
The facility processes kerbside food and garden waste (FOGO) collected from Lake Macquarie households. It operates independently from the adjacent Awaba Waste Management Facility.
In July 2024, the EPA varied Remondis' Environment Protection Licence requiring Pollution Reduction Programs to improve the handling of materials, water, and leachate. These measures had reduced odour reports until the sharp increase recently. To keep up to date with odour management at this site, please visit the EPA website.
Community members impacted by odours are encouraged to report them directly to Remondis on 1300 110 638 and to the EPA Environment Line on 131 555.
