Odors from Richmond Composting Facility

This page contains information related to the odor concerns at the WCCSL Organic Materials Processing Facility that have been affecting the communities surrounding the facility, including El Sobrante, Richmond and San Pablo.

Contra Costa Health’s Environmental Health Program (EH) has been working with the Bay Area Air District and the facility operator on these issues. Due to the significant volume of complaints, the operator has instituted changes in an attempt to minimize odor creation and prevent them from entering the surrounding communities. This webpage will provide a central location for information and updates on this issue.

Summary of the Incident

A significant number of complaints started being received in mid-January 2025 by Environmental Health and the Air District regarding odors coming from the compost facility in Richmond. Environmental Health has been investigating these complaints as they are received. The number of complaints peaked between March 8-10, 2025, when Environmental Health and the Air District received over 50 complaints.

The operator received multiple violations for these odors and in response has instituted operational changes including but not limited to improving site drainage, disposing of contaminants taken out of the materials more frequently, adding equipment so material can move through the process more quickly, and using deodorizer misters on the perimeter of the site. Environmental Health has also made improvements to its systems to minimize the time between complaints being received and investigated, particularly after normal business hours and on weekends. As additional changes are made, Environmental Health will continue to provide updates on this site to keep the community informed.

Report an Odor

If you want to report an odor from the compost facility that is currently happening or happened recently, please email solid.waste@cchealth.org or call (925) 608-5500.

Please note that after normal business hour and on weekends, email will get the most rapid response and the email should include your name and contact information, when you smelled the odor, where you smelled the odor, a description of what the odor smells like, and how strong the smell is. Your name and contact information is requested to allow the inspector to follow-up for more information and to update you on their findings.