Mystery operator wants to relocate Hamilton’s historically stinky compost plant

A mystery compost plant operator wants to relocate Hamilton's historically stinky Burlington Street operation away from the long-suffering neighbourhood.

But not all councillors are convinced the belated proposal passes the smell test.

Hamilton just issued a request for proposals for the contract to run its existing plant - but a prospective operator has asked the city to also consider bids for offsite" processing of green bin organics. It's not yet clear if the would-be bidder wants to move operations right out of town.

That uncertainty prompted councillors at a public works meeting Wednesday to put off a decision on the request until the June 24 council meeting.

We don't know if we're talking about moving inside or outside the municipality," said Ward 5 Coun. Chad Collins, who noted his residents have zero interest" in another waste facility setting up shop in east Hamilton.

He later said there are few properties in Hamilton outside his ward and neighbouring Ward 4 that are even zoned for such a use.

Hamilton was infamously forced to shut down its Burlington Street compost plant in June of 2018 after worsening odours forced residents to hide in their homes and spurred a provincial probe that continues nearly two years later.

The city and its current contractor, AIM Environmental, restarted operations on a smaller scale last year, without leaf and yard waste and after installing new odour-fighting technology.

But Coun. Sam Merulla, who represents the ward where the facility is located, has repeatedly called for the compost plant to be moved further away from any residential area. He has also floated the idea of a municipal takeover of operations - something that was set to be studied in the current bidding process.

Relocating the operations for me to an area that doesn't impact a residential area is my main objective; within Hamilton and or outside of Hamilton," Merulla said Wednesday by email.

Coun. John-Paul Danko wondered aloud Wednesday whether contemplating out-of-town composting options would be seen as importing Hamilton waste to a different community."

City staff committed to reporting back on councillor questions about locations and legal issues June 24.

Matthew Van Dongen is a Hamilton-based reporter covering transportation for The Spectator. Reach him via email: mvandongen@thespec.com