Tamworth is set to gain a state-of-the-art Organics Recycling Facility (ORF) that aims to meet the region’s community and agricultural needs while aligning with New South Wales’ mandate to recycle organic material by 2030.
Tamworth Region Mayor Russell Webb expressed the Council’s commitment to sustainability and compliance with government recycling targets.
“Council made a decision to provide a food organics service to the community in 2020 to both improve services and meet NSW Government recycling targets,” Mayor Webb said.
“With a state-of-the-art Organics Recycling Facility in the region, we will provide a cost-effective service to the community and support local industry to meet their own business targets too,” he added.
The facility, planned for Gidley Appleby Road, received initial planning consent in 2020.
After years of development, the Council awarded the Design and Construct Contract for the facility to OREZ, a sustainable waste management leader within the CFC Group of Companies, in July 2024.
Final negotiations concluded in November 2024.
Max Bergomi, CEO of OREZ, highlighted the project’s significance.
“We are honoured to collaborate with Tamworth Regional Council on this landmark project,” Bergomi said.
“This facility underscores our shared dedication to sustainable waste management and regional environmental goals.”
“By supporting the Council’s long-term sustainability strategy with advanced technology and scalable infrastructure, we aim to set a new standard for environmentally responsible waste solutions in regional communities.”
Council Director of Water and Waste Bruce Logan emphasised the project’s benefits for both residents and agricultural businesses.
“Council staff have been carefully evaluating a range of options to provide this service to ensure the community is provided with a value-for-money food organics and garden organics (FOGO) service which also provides benefits for agricultural businesses in the region,” Logan said.
Tamworth’s ORF is expected to begin operations by early 2027, with construction slated to commence in September 2025.
Detailed design efforts will start immediately, alongside discussions with commercial customers regarding long-term contracts for organic waste disposal.
Financial modelling indicates that the project will not impact current waste fees or rates, as funding will be drawn from a combination of the waste reserve and a repayable loan, expected to be covered by the facility’s operating revenues within 20 years.
The Council is also pursuing state and federal funding to support the facility’s construction.
For ongoing updates, visit the Tamworth Organic Recycling Facility page on the Tamworth Regional Council’s website.
