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Recycling site's stench makes residents ill
11 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Residents report extreme stench causing physical illness from a waste recycling site.
- Site imported and stored nearly five times the permitted amount of materials.
- An appeal was lodged after the Environment Agency ordered the site to cease operations.
A public inquiry has heard how a pervasive stench from the Mineral Processing Ltd (Minore) waste site in South Elmsall has made residents physically ill and significantly disrupted their lives. Councillor Michelle Collins highlighted the issue, noting that the community has shown resilience but should not be exploited.
The inquiry was initiated after the Environment Agency took enforcement action against Minore, which appealed the decision. Hundreds of residents had complained about the smell, dust, and litter. The site was found to be storing almost five times the permitted 50,000 tonnes of materials, with documentation revealing 233,772 tonnes between 2016 and 2023.
Despite a revocation notice ordering the cessation of importing and extracting materials, residents reported ongoing operations. Local MP Jon Trickett confirmed that the odour had worsened, impacting property values. Minore stated they are excavating and processing materials in compliance with notices and expressed concern for employees' jobs.
