Westbury Whiff: Nauseating Smell Plagues Wiltshire Town

A persistent and nauseating odour, referred to as the 'Westbury whiff,' is causing distress to residents in Westbury, Wiltshire. The smell has been traced to the Northacre Mechanical Biological Treatment plant, operated by Hills Waste Solution (HWS). This recurring issue, documented as far back as 2014, has seen a fresh increase in complaints since March 2026.

The Mayor of Westbury has noted that the smell intensifies when the plant's large doors are opened for vehicle access. Residents are particularly affected during hot weather, such as the recent 30C (86F) temperatures on bank holiday Monday, when opening windows and enjoying outdoor spaces becomes unpleasant. The situation has led to an increase in official complaints.

The Environment Agency (EA) has stated that HWS is required to improve its odour control measures. Previously, by September 2025, the EA found the plant in breach of its permit conditions for failing to adequately reduce odour. HWS reported implementing upgrades, including a bio-filter and additional extraction equipment, in response to earlier complaints.

Separately, residents in another Wiltshire town, approximately 20 miles away, are also experiencing an unpleasant odour, described as similar to rotting eggs, emanating from a different landfill site also run by Hills. The EA noted that odours reported in residential areas are often faint and transient, depending heavily on weather conditions.