Stinky compost plant to close in Wilmington

The Peninsula Compost Company LLC of Wilmington has been ordered to close in Delaware.

DNREC Secretary David Small issued a Secretary’s Order, requiring the organic waste recycling company to immediately stop accepting waste materials and to finish composting current materials on site by Jan. 16, 2015. All materials must be removed by March 31, 2015.

“Peninsula Compost Company has placed an undue burden on the quality of life of residents in the City of Wilmington, parts of the City of New Castle and part of New Castle County – particularly those living in close proximity to the facility due to frequent uncontrolled odors,” said Secretary Small. “The company has been unable to maintain compliance with DNREC’s Beneficial Use Determination permit.”

Since the facility opened in 2009, the city has been plagued with the odors wafting into the city from the site.

The facility, which processes about 115,000 tons of waste per year, has been unable to live up to odor compliance regulations.

Compost is used as an alternative to fertilizers and pesticides and is used in gardens, on lawns and turf, and in commercial agriculture.

Secretary Small said the department will continue to look for recycling opportunities.

“We remain committed to aggressively pursuing recycling opportunities to preserve our landfill capacity, create jobs and reduce our reliance on raw materials to manufacture products,” said Small.