Odour Complaints - Calne area - Update 27 March 2026

We are investigating the recent and significant increase in odour complaints from residents in Calne.

In March, we received over 1,000 reports of odour, with the majority of these being reported between the 19 and 23 of March.

We fully recognise how intrusive persistent odour can be and want to be clear that the odour levels currently being experienced are unacceptable.

Our officers have been out in the community, including early in the morning and late in the evening when odour seems to have been most noticeable. At times, we have been able to identify landfill gas odour and have traced this to Lower Compton landfill.

The high volume and persistence of reports indicates that odour management on site at Lower Compton landfill is still not optimised, and further regulatory intervention is required. We will continue to work to ensure that additional corrective measures are put in place to minimise the likelihood of further recurrences.

Our ambient air monitoring station is collecting continuous data on levels of Hydrogen Sulphide, Methane and Particulates.

We are looking at all aspects of the Lower Compton landfill site. Our main focus is on the current cell 26D, due to the change in nature of the waste inputs in this cell.

Until recently, the measures Hills had put in place were minimising odour from this area, however, our latest inspections and the significant increase in reports suggest emissions management in this area of the landfill is no longer providing sufficient gas collection and improvements must be made.

Our position is clear: odour impacts at this level are not acceptable, and the operator must act quickly to resolve the issues.

We will carry out a thermal imaging survey of Lower Compton landfill using a drone to check for hotspots that may help indicate sources of odour.

We will carry out regular inspections of Lower Compton landfill as improvements are made to ensure they are effective.

We will provide a further update in April