Organic waste plant planned for Templeton

In Templeton, a high-tech organic waste processing plant is planned for a quarry complex off Miners Road.

Australian company NALG has begun consulting with neighborhood groups in hopes of demonstrating that the site will be environmentally friendly.

Organic waste will be recycled and turned into nutrient-rich compost, carbon dioxide, heat and renewable energy.

These materials will be used in greenhouses where peppers and tomatoes are grown.

The project will complement the Ōtautahi Christchurch Regional Organic Processing Facility in Hornby, which will collect Christchurch City Council’s green containers.

The Templeton plant will focus more on growing food and collecting organic waste that has not made it through the council system.

A presentation given to Yaldhurst Villagers’ Association in July shows plans to reduce air pollution and odors at the site.

It will operate under constant negative pressure and is equipped with quick-release roller shutters to prevent unpleasant odors. Before being released, the air will be directed to two scrubbers and a filter.

NALG will apply for consent in the coming weeks and expects construction to begin in March.

Waste processing is planned to begin in June 2027, and greenhouses will start operating in June 2028.