Plasgran Ltd
Background
Where is the site?
Plasgran Limited operates a site in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire.
What permit(s) does the operator hold?
The Environment Agency (EA) issued Plasgran Limited (PL) with an environmental permit on 17 April 2023. PL accepts and treats plastic waste at the site to produce plastic flakes and pellets, which are used for the production of new plastic products and food packaging elsewhere.
Regulatory Activity
Following reports of flies we increased the number of site inspections we carried out throughout 2023 and 2024. We secured the services of an entomologist (an expert in the study of insects), who conducted an audit at the site in January 2024. Our officers required PL to implement several additional measures at the site, building upon the entomologist’s observations and advice.
Latest News
What is the latest news?
We have received an increase in odour reports over May and June 2025. We have carried out site inspections and/or undertaken off-site odour assessments on 14 occasions in June 2025. Officers have detected odour in the local area, which drifts on the wind, and is most likely to affect residents living downwind of the site. The odour has variously had a sewage-like smell, a bin waste-like smell, and an effluent/chemical-like smell.
We have had further discussions with Plasgran Ltd (PL) about odour sources on the site. Our regulatory work continues to focus on odourous processes and the appropriate measures necessary to comply with the permit.
We have completed an audit of the Wastewater Treatment process. In July 2025 we will carry out an audit of other operations at the site, which have potential emission points that might lead to off-site odour.
We have received fewer fly reports in comparison to previous years. Fly numbers appear well controlled by PL on the site, with minimal numbers. Weekly fly reports from PL confirm what we see during site inspections. We will continue to monitor this situation.
The review of the permit is continuing. An inspection of the site, required as part of this process, has taken place.
We will continue to carry out announced and unannounced site inspections and audits, and regular off-site odour assessments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PL doing about the number of flies?
We received an action plan from PL in August 2024, which sets out the operational changes it will make to monitor numbers and reduce flies on site, in the short and longer-term. Fly alighting boards have been installed, which are proving to be effective at killing flies. Fly traps have also been installed inside and outside the building. These both kill flies and allow species of flies to be monitored. Weekly fly counts we receive from PL indicate that fly numbers have reduced since 18 April 2025.
How can I report environmental problems?
You can report any problems including flies and odour, which you believe are linked to Environment Agency permitted sites, to the 24-hour Environment Agency incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60.