Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire Regulated Industry Sites

Pilsworth South Landfill Site Update – August 2026

Since our last update in February, we have continued to regulate Pilsworth South Landfill Site in accordance with its environmental permit.

Odour Reports and Regulation

Since March 2026, we have received approximately 160 odour complaints that appear to be related to Pilsworth South Landfill Site.

We have undertaken three compliance inspections and carried out numerous compliance assessments and reviews of landfill work proposals relating to landfill engineering and site management activities. In addition, we have carried out proactive off-site odour checks within the local community, targeted according to prevailing wind conditions and site activities.

We are actively monitoring odour complaints and undertaking off-site odour assessments as part of our regulatory work. This helps us identify on-site activities that may give rise to odour and assess whether appropriate control measures are being employed by the operator.

Mobile Monitoring Facility (MMF)

We have completed the third interim report for the ambient air quality study, using data gathered by the Mobile Monitoring Facility (MMF) at Our Lady and St Paul's RC Primary School, Heywood. The report covers the period from 10 May 2025 to 22 April 2026 and aims to identify local pollution sources and quantify their environmental impact.

The pollutants being monitored include:

• Hydrogen sulphide (H₂S)
• Sulphur dioxide (SO₂)
• Methane (CH₄)
• Particulate matter, including:
  • Total Suspended Particulates (TSP)
  • PM10
  • PM2.

• Key findings so far…
  • Air quality monitoring shows that levels of the pollutants measured remained within health-based guidelines and air quality standards during the monitoring period.
  • The highest levels of hydrogen sulphide, sulphur dioxide and methane were recorded when winds were blowing from the direction of Pilsworth South Landfill Site.
  • The monitoring data suggests these emissions were generally from ongoing, continuous sources rather than isolated incidents.
  • Particle levels in the air were generally low and met air quality standards throughout the monitoring period.
  • Analysis indicates that most particle pollution detected at the monitoring location is likely to come from a combination of local traffic and wider regional sources, rather than the landfill site.
  • Monitoring is continuing, and a final report will be issued after the study finishes in October 2026.

The interim report can be requested by emailing: inforequests.gmmc@environment-agency.gov.uk

Operational changes

Valencia the operator at Pilsworth South has informed the Environment Agency that the landfill site, including the Material Recycling Facility (MRF), has ceased accepting residual waste until further notice. This is to allow the operator to focus on delivering its business improvement plan, with the aim of improving compliance performance in both the short and long term.

The operator has advised that there will be limited acceptance of certain waste streams, such as soils required for engineering works, including operational cover and restoration activities with measures put in place to minimise any disruption that may be caused by vehicles attending the site.

Looking Ahead

We will continue to undertake ambient air monitoring in the vicinity of the Pilsworth South Landfill Site and keep residents informed of any significant developments.

A further final report on the ambient air quality study, covering a larger dataset, will be published by the end of 2026.

Our regulation of Pilsworth South Landfill Site and monitoring of odour complaints in the surrounding area will continue.

New Public Information Page

The Environment Agency has launched a new public information webpage for Pilsworth Landfill Site. The page provides access to key information, including the latest newsletters, frequently asked questions (FAQs), and current public health information.

This new webpage will replace the previous Citizen Space page and will become the primary source of information and updates relating to the site.

Please see the link below to the page:

Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire Regulated Industry Sites | Engage Environment Agency