Residents kicking up a stink at Bromley waste plant

By Kiro Evans, Local Democracy Reporter.

Bromley residents have been left holding their noses due to a smelly waste site that has kicked up a stink in the area.

Veolia’s recycling and waste management operation in Waldo Road is facing the wrath of residents, with one claiming the smell resembles a “rotting corpse”.

Concerns around traffic, air quality, and vibration caused by lorries driving down residential streets have also been raised by locals.

Residents said they could not even sit in their gardens during the summer due to the horrific stink.

While the smell was subdued on a damp November day, locals claim it is terrible during most of the summer.

Vanessa, who did not wish to give her surname and leads a nearby residents’ association, said the issue was facing fierce opposition on the streets.

She said: “I’ve complained three times, but I could have easily complained 33 times. But who has 40 minutes a day to complain? It feels like you’re jumping through hoops.“You know how it is when you ring a call centre? It’s just like that but it’s like ‘you’re not doing anything, why am I bothering to ring?’

“They ask ‘can you smell it inside the house or outside the house? Have you got the windows open or shut?’ My gosh, you should be able to have your window open in July.

“Also, the congestion can last past the rush hour and go on right on through lunchtime. People come to dump their rubbish when it opens at 7am.”

Stephanie Beck, who regularly visits her parents in the area from Stockport, said: “It’s very unpleasant, especially in the summer if you’re sitting outside and it’s a bad day.”

Bromley Town ward councillor Nicky Dykes, who visited residents in the summer to hear their concerns, said: “We have been working hard over many years to secure improvements at the site for residents and sharing regular updates.

“This includes pushing the contractor on their odour management plan, securing extra odour sprays in the annex area to address the smell and working with the police to enforce traffic offences – for example at our request they have conducted speed checks on Homesdale Road.

“We are working with residents and officers to explore any other measures that may improve the situation further.

For example, I have asked for a review to look at the possibility of  introducing a booking system which Bromley Town Councillors support alongside our residents.”

A Veolia spokesman said: “Waldo Road Reuse and Recycling Centre is the hub of Bromley’s recycling services, helping the borough achieve one of the top recycling rates in London.

We work closely with Bromley council to minimise any impact on the local community.”

The Environment Agency has been contacted for comment.