Odour Response Update 3 July 2026

Following on from our previous briefings, we would like to provide a further update on the odour concerns being experienced in Calne and Westbury.

Following the failure of the cranes at the Westbury Mechanical Biological Treatment (MBT) facility, Hills has taken the decision to temporarily stop accepting new household waste at the site. You can read more about Hills’ decision in their update here: https://www.hills-waste.co.uk/news/update-on-northacre-mbt-and-lower-compton-landfill

As a result, Hills has implemented its contingency plan, which has been agreed with Wiltshire Council, by redirecting household waste collections that would normally be processed at Westbury to the Hills facility at Compton Bassett, near Calne. This will enable collections to continue while Hills addresses the issue at the Westbury site.

We recognise that this change may increase concerns about odour in both communities, particularly with further periods of hot weather forecast. In Westbury, there may be increased odour associated with doors being opened to carry out the necessary repair work. We have inspected the transfer station in Compton Bassett today, ensuring that Hills are using appropriate measures to minimise odour from the additional waste being delivered.

We fully appreciate that this situation is far from ideal for residents. We are working closely and urgently with Hills and Wiltshire Council to identify and implement measures that will minimise the impact of the additional waste being processed at Compton Bassett and to reduce odour wherever possible.

Please be assured that officers will continue to monitor odour levels in Westbury throughout the weekend and will respond to reports from residents across the area as they are received. We understand how challenging waste-related odours can be, especially during periods of warm weather, and we remain committed to investigating concerns and taking appropriate action where necessary.

We are also continuing to work with Wiltshire Council and the UKHSA to arrange community engagement events in both Calne and Westbury. These sessions will provide residents with an opportunity to speak directly with representatives from the relevant organisations, ask questions, and share their experiences. Details of dates and venues will be shared as soon as arrangements are confirmed.

Progress continues with the capping works at the Lower Compton landfill site