The Southern Metropolitan Regional Council has been forced to temporary close its waste composting facility in Canning Vale to complete upgrades to the plant’s odour management system.
The SMRC said waste from residents’ green-topped bins would be sent to landfill from December 16 until a wet scrubbing system of humidifiers is fully operational.
The $4 million upgrade is designed to provide optimum conditions for biofilters installed at the facility to remove odour.
The upgrade was scheduled to be completed by December 15, under the facility’s operating licence provided by the Department of Environment and Conservation.
“The SMRC has made other significant improvements to the odour management system above and beyond those required by the licence conditions, however due to circumstances beyond its control only five of the six humidifiers will be installed to the biofilters and commissioned by the required date,” SMRC chief executive Tim Youe said.
He said the shutdown of the composting plant was an interim measure, and he expected to take green waste again by mid-January.
“As a demonstration of the SMRC’s commitment to the community and improving odour management the council has resolved to suspend taking waste until all six humidifiers are fully operational,” Mr Youe said.
