The Organics Processing Plant is a Council-owned composting facility in Bromley, operated by Living Earth.

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The Organics Processing Plant receives all the food and green waste collected in the kerbside green bins. 

The future processing of Christchurch’s kerbside organics is set to change with the Council approving the establishment of a new organics processing plant, Ōtautahi Christchurch Regional Organics Processing Facility(external link).

On Wednesday 6 December 2023, the Council approved Ecogas as the new long-term organics processor, following a multi-stage procurement process. Watch the decision.(external link)

The facility will deliver a different system from the existing Organics Processing Plant at Metro Place in Bromley through a fully enclosed operation and technology successfully used in cities around the world, including London, Sydney and Madrid. Read more on Newsline.(external link)

Recent meetings, newsletters and updates

Community Liaison Group meetings

Tuesday 18 February 2025 meeting 

Tuesday 19 November 2024 meeting

Tuesday 20 August 2024 meeting

Tuesday 21 May 2024 meeting:

Tuesday 20 February 2024 meeting:

Tuesday 12 December 2023 meeting:

Tuesday 15 August 2023 meeting:

Tuesday 16 May 2023 meeting:

Monday 13 March 2023 meeting:

Tuesday 15 November 2022 meeting:

Tuesday 16 August 2022 meeting:

Tuesday 17 May 2022 meeting:

Tuesday 15 February 2022 meeting:

Newsletters

2025 newsletters:

2024 newsletters:

2023 newsletters:

2022 newsletters:

Transitional plan updates

We worked closely with Living Earth to develop a Transitional Plan [PDF, 759 KB] for the organics processing plant. The plan outlines odour mitigation measures that we have undertaken.

As part of the transitional plan, we provided fortnightly updates to ECan with the progress made on the implementation of the proposed changes.

Updates: 

Organics processing moving out of Bromley - December 2023

The future processing of Christchurch’s kerbside organics is set to change with the Council approving the establishment of a new organics processing plant, Ōtautahi Christchurch Regional Organics Processing Facility.

On Wednesday 6 December, the Council approved Ecogas as the new long-term organics processor, following a multi-stage procurement process.

The facility will deliver a different system from the existing Organics Processing Plant (OPP) at Metro Place in Bromley through a fully enclosed operation and technology successfully used in cities around the world, including London, Sydney and Madrid.

We’re continuing to empty the OPP site so there will be no stockpiling of material – which has been identified as the main source of odour.

Read more on Newsline.(external link)

Chief Executive letters - October 2023

Please find below links to two letters regarding the Organics Processing Plant. 

The initial letter is from Environment Canterbury Chief Executive Stefanie Rixecker to Christchurch City Council Chief Executive Dawn Baxendale.

The second letter is the response from Christchurch City Council Chief Executive Dawn Baxendale to Environment Canterbury Chief Executive Stefanie Rixecker. 

Your questions answered

What is the short-term option for managing kerbside organics?
The short-term option involves a two-step process, with the first indoor stage of processing happening at the current Organics Processing Plant in Bromley. The second stage is happening at Kate Valley Landfill.

At Kate Valley, they’re using the compost as a capping material on the landfill. Capping the site is a long-term requirement, and using compost means they don’t need to transport topsoil there.

Kate Valley Landfill is in the process of changing its consent to allow it to mature compost in outdoor rows, screen it, and then sell it to the market.

Will organics continue to be processed at the Bromley site?
We’ll continue to process organics at the plant in Bromley, with the first indoor stage of processing being done there and the second stage off-site. The first stage of processing involves mixing organics with garden waste, shredding the material, then moving the material into the composting tunnels. We’re confident that there’s minimal risk of offensive and objectionable odour from this new process.

When did the short-term option begin?
This process was implemented in December 2023.

Why can’t screening start at Kate Valley now?
Transwaste, which operates the Kate Valley Landfill, requires a change to its resource consent to be able to carry out the second stage of the composting process. This is because that process is not currently included in the consent, although it is a permitted activity for a landfill. In the meantime, they’ll continue to use compost as a capping material at Kate Valley Landfill.

With the trucks coming in and out of the indoor processing hall, isn’t there a risk of odour escaping?
The processing hall will continue to operate with roller doors and under negative pressure with processing air treated through the biofilter before being discharged. The roller doors are designed to open and close quickly, multiples times a day, and will only be open when operationally required.

What checks and balances will you have in place to ensure the OPP doesn’t produce odour?
Living Earth will continue with their on-site odour monitoring and the Council will continue to engage external odour consultants Pattle Delamore Partners to conduct their proactive odour monitoring in the Bromley area. The Council will also monitor the site on an ongoing basis to ensure that no outside stockpiling of material is occurring.

How much material would be shipped to Kate Valley for processing?
Each year, we’ll transport about 40,000 tonnes of organic material to Kate Valley for the second stage of composting. This is about two thirds of the total amount of organics being processed in the first stage at the Organics Processing Plant (60,000 tonnes). During the first stage of processing, about a third of the organics are reduced due to material breakdown and moisture loss. This moisture is captured, passed through the biofilter and discharged.

Are you still be able to accept organics from Waimakariri District Council under this short-term option?
Yes, organics from Waimakariri District Council (approximately 5000 tonnes per year) is still being processed.

How much is the short-term option costing ratepayers?
It’s costing an additional estimated $276,000 per year. This is being funded through existing budgets, where possible.

How did you come up with the short-term option to partially process organics indoors at the Organics Processing Plant, with the second stage off-site?
The short-term option is the outcome of extensive consultation with the Bromley community, wider Christchurch residents and mana whenua. The desire to continue processing kerbside organics was strongly reflected in the consultation feedback. This option ensures kerbside organics continue to be processed until the long-term solution is fully operational. It also complies with our sustainability standards, and the risk of offensive and objectionable odour in the Bromley community through this option is also very low.

How long will the short-term option be operating?
We’ll continue to process organics at the plant in Bromley until the new plant is operational. We expect the new plant to be up and running by late 2026.

Odour monitoring reports

Independent external environmental specialist Pattle Delamore Partners has carried out odour monitoring at the Organics Processing Plant

2025 Pattle Delamore Partners reports

2024 Pattle Delamore Partners reports

2023 Pattle Delamore Partners reports

2022 Pattle Delamore Partners reports

Timeline of Organics Processing Plant operations

1994

Composting garden waste started at the Bromley site.

March 2009

The plant started accepting and processing kerbside organics and food waste.

June to August 2020

Operational changes made

Operational changes to mitigate odour are carried out by the Organics Processing Plant and EcoDrop Transfer Station. EcoDrop carries out an independent review of data.

August 2020

Effectiveness of changes assessed

Environment Canterbury and Council considered how effective the operational changes have been in mitigating odour at the Organics Processing Plant and EcoDrop Transfer Station.

Changes made by EcoCentral were found to be effective at reducing odour beyond the site boundary and Environment Canterbury deemed a resource consent was not required for the transfer station.

September to November 2020

Redevelopment options potentially considered

Redevelopment options are considered for Organics Processing Plant. The upgrade would see the plant's technology upgraded to allow for the majority of the composting process to take place indoors. 

December 2020

Council approves organics plant redevelopment

The Council approved a $22 million upgrade of the Organics Processing Plant. The upgrade involves redesigning and replacing the floors and doors of the plant’s 18 composting tunnels, replacing the shredder and improving the biofilter. 

The upgrades would ensure that all parts of the composting process would be fully enclosed, removing any potential odour or dust.

December 2020 onwards

Facility redevelopment option started

The facility redevelopment option starts for the Organics Processing Plant.

April 2021

Final stage of tender process released

The final stage of the tender process for the redevelopment of the organics plant, the Request for Proposal (RFP), was released on April 27 2021.

The RFP gives selected contractors eight weeks to produce a design for the plant and provides a quote on the cost to carry out the work. A preferred contractor was expected to be selected in June, with the contract finalised in July 2021.

May 2021

Transitional Management Plan developed with Living Earth outlining significant changes to operations at the Organics Processing Plant.

Some of these changes included:

  • stopping accepting some commercial food processing waste.
  • minimising the amount of mature compost stored onsite.
  • replacing bio filter bark chip.
  • investigating planting additional trees on the southern boundary as a buffer and others.

Read the Transitional Plan(external link).  

September 2021

Council approves investigation of alternative sites

The redevelopment of Bromley’s Organics Processing Plant was paused after the Council voted to investigate building a new facility at another location.

Work is underway to look at options for potential new sites and technologies before a report is due back to Council in April 2022. The option of redeveloping the existing plant is also still being considered.

April 2022

Council agrees in principle to relocating the plant

The Council agreed in principle to relocate the organics processing operation to an alternative site. A report on the procurement process, for an alternative site, will be presented to Council in March 2023. 

March 2023

Council approves final stage of procurement plan

Council approved moving to the final stage of the procurement process to find a permanent alternative to the Organics Processing Plant.

The final stage of the procurement process will involve the six shortlisted suppliers submitting a competitive bid through a Request for Proposal (RFP) process.

Council will make a decision on the preferred supplier in December 2023. 

June 2023

Council approves public consultation

Council decided to engage with the community and mana whenua on options for managing kerbside organics until a permanent solution is operational, including:

  1. Sending  some, or all, mixed kerbside organics to an alternative, or several alternative, commercial composting and worm farm facilities if, and when, they have all necessary regulatory approvals; or
  2. Sending  some, or all, mixed kerbside organics to Kate Valley landfill, if, and when, Kate Valley has all necessary regulatory approvals; or
  3. Continuing  composting at the Organics Processing Plant with operational improvements

Council indicated its preference was to end composting at the Organics Processing Plant as soon as reasonably, and practically, possible.

1994

Composting garden waste started at the Bromley site.

March 2009

The plant started accepting and processing kerbside organics and food waste.

June to August 2020

Operational changes made

Operational changes to mitigate odour are carried out by the Organics Processing Plant and EcoDrop Transfer Station. EcoDrop carries out an independent review of data.

August 2020

Effectiveness of changes assessed

Environment Canterbury and Council considered how effective the operational changes have been in mitigating odour at the Organics Processing Plant and EcoDrop Transfer Station.

Changes made by EcoCentral were found to be effective at reducing odour beyond the site boundary and Environment Canterbury deemed a resource consent was not required for the transfer station.

September to November 2020

Redevelopment options potentially considered

Redevelopment options are considered for Organics Processing Plant. The upgrade would see the plant's technology upgraded to allow for the majority of the composting process to take place indoors. 

December 2020

Council approves organics plant redevelopment

The Council approved a $22 million upgrade of the Organics Processing Plant. The upgrade involves redesigning and replacing the floors and doors of the plant’s 18 composting tunnels, replacing the shredder and improving the biofilter. 

The upgrades would ensure that all parts of the composting process would be fully enclosed, removing any potential odour or dust.

December 2020 onwards

Facility redevelopment option started

The facility redevelopment option starts for the Organics Processing Plant.

April 2021

Final stage of tender process released

The final stage of the tender process for the redevelopment of the organics plant, the Request for Proposal (RFP), was released on April 27 2021.

The RFP gives selected contractors eight weeks to produce a design for the plant and provides a quote on the cost to carry out the work. A preferred contractor was expected to be selected in June, with the contract finalised in July 2021.

May 2021

Transitional Management Plan developed with Living Earth outlining significant changes to operations at the Organics Processing Plant.

Some of these changes included:

  • stopping accepting some commercial food processing waste.
  • minimising the amount of mature compost stored onsite.
  • replacing bio filter bark chip.
  • investigating planting additional trees on the southern boundary as a buffer and others.

Read the Transitional Plan(external link).  

September 2021

Council approves investigation of alternative sites

The redevelopment of Bromley’s Organics Processing Plant was paused after the Council voted to investigate building a new facility at another location.

Work is underway to look at options for potential new sites and technologies before a report is due back to Council in April 2022. The option of redeveloping the existing plant is also still being considered.

April 2022

Council agrees in principle to relocating the plant

The Council agreed in principle to relocate the organics processing operation to an alternative site. A report on the procurement process, for an alternative site, will be presented to Council in March 2023. 

March 2023

Council approves final stage of procurement plan

Council approved moving to the final stage of the procurement process to find a permanent alternative to the Organics Processing Plant.

The final stage of the procurement process will involve the six shortlisted suppliers submitting a competitive bid through a Request for Proposal (RFP) process.

Council will make a decision on the preferred supplier in December 2023. 

June 2023

Council approves public consultation

Council decided to engage with the community and mana whenua on options for managing kerbside organics until a permanent solution is operational, including:

  1. Sending  some, or all, mixed kerbside organics to an alternative, or several alternative, commercial composting and worm farm facilities if, and when, they have all necessary regulatory approvals; or
  2. Sending  some, or all, mixed kerbside organics to Kate Valley landfill, if, and when, Kate Valley has all necessary regulatory approvals; or
  3. Continuing  composting at the Organics Processing Plant with operational improvements

Council indicated its preference was to end composting at the Organics Processing Plant as soon as reasonably, and practically, possible.

Timeline of compliance actions issued from 2022 to 2023

20 January 2021

Abatement notice issued to the Organics Processing Plant requiring that there be no offensive and objectionable odour beyond the boundary after 31 January 2022.

1 February 2022

Environment Canterbury issued Notice of Non Compliance (NoNC) to the Organics Processing Plant.

2 June 2022

Environment Canterbury issued Notice of Non Compliance (NoNC)  to the Organics Processing Plant.

4 June 2022

Notice of Non Compliance (NoNC) issued to the Organics Processing Plant.

31 August 2022

Environment Canterbury begins formal investigations into odours on eight dates.

19 December 2022

Environment Canterbury issued Notice of Non Compliance (NoNC) to the Organics Processing Plant.

10 January 2023

Environment Canterbury issued Notice of Non Compliance (NoNC) to the Organics Processing Plant.

15 January 2023

Environment Canterbury issued Notice of Non Compliance (NoNC) to the Organics Processing Plant.

19 January 2023

Environment Canterbury formally notify Council it is investigating whether to take further enforcement action concerning odours on 10 and 15 January 2023.

26 January 2023

Environment Canterbury issued Notice of Non Compliance (NoNC) to the Organics Processing Plant.

31 January 2023

Environment Canterbury issued Notice of Non Compliance (NoNC) issued to the Organics Processing Plant.

1 March 2023

Environment Canterbury issued Notice of Non Compliance (NoNC) to the Organics Processing Plant. 

March 2023

Environment Canterbury issued infringement notices for the four January 2023 Notice of Non Compliance dates (10,15,26 and 31 January). Two infringement notices were issued per date with a combined fine per date of $1750.

April 2023

Environment Canterbury issued infringement notices for the 1 March 2023 Notice of Non Compliance date. Two infringement notices were issued for the date with a combined fine of $1750.

20 January 2021

Abatement notice issued to the Organics Processing Plant requiring that there be no offensive and objectionable odour beyond the boundary after 31 January 2022.

1 February 2022

Environment Canterbury issued Notice of Non Compliance (NoNC) to the Organics Processing Plant.

2 June 2022

Environment Canterbury issued Notice of Non Compliance (NoNC)  to the Organics Processing Plant.

4 June 2022

Notice of Non Compliance (NoNC) issued to the Organics Processing Plant.

31 August 2022

Environment Canterbury begins formal investigations into odours on eight dates.

19 December 2022

Environment Canterbury issued Notice of Non Compliance (NoNC) to the Organics Processing Plant.

10 January 2023

Environment Canterbury issued Notice of Non Compliance (NoNC) to the Organics Processing Plant.

15 January 2023

Environment Canterbury issued Notice of Non Compliance (NoNC) to the Organics Processing Plant.

19 January 2023

Environment Canterbury formally notify Council it is investigating whether to take further enforcement action concerning odours on 10 and 15 January 2023.

26 January 2023

Environment Canterbury issued Notice of Non Compliance (NoNC) to the Organics Processing Plant.

31 January 2023

Environment Canterbury issued Notice of Non Compliance (NoNC) issued to the Organics Processing Plant.

1 March 2023

Environment Canterbury issued Notice of Non Compliance (NoNC) to the Organics Processing Plant. 

March 2023

Environment Canterbury issued infringement notices for the four January 2023 Notice of Non Compliance dates (10,15,26 and 31 January). Two infringement notices were issued per date with a combined fine per date of $1750.

April 2023

Environment Canterbury issued infringement notices for the 1 March 2023 Notice of Non Compliance date. Two infringement notices were issued for the date with a combined fine of $1750.

Notices of Non Compliance

Resource consents allow people or organisations to do something that may have an effect on the environment, but this comes with conditions to protect the environment.

Christchurch City Council holds many consents for its operations, some issued by Environment Canterbury (ECan). 

ECan monitors compliance of the resource consents it issues around the region. It conducts inspections to check consent holders are meeting their resource consent obligations. 

If there’s an issue, an ECan officer investigates to determine what actions should be taken, including enforcement. There is a range of enforcement actions that can be taken. 

Read more about Environment Canterbury's enforcement actions.(external link)

How the organics processing plant works

The Organics Processing Plant is a Council-owned composting facility in Bromley that is operated under contract by Living Earth. 

The facility receives all the food and green waste collected in the kerbside green bins.  

The plant has been operating under Living Earth since 2009 and has helped divert over 400 thousand tonnes of organic material from landfill. 

View the Organics Processing Plant operational process (May 2023) [PDF, 466 KB]

As part of our Transitional Plan in 2021, we installed a time-lapse camera at the Organics Processing Plant so you could see the reduction in outdoor compost. 

Time-lapse videos: