Topsoil Organics and OREZ have entered an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) agreement to expand Topsoil’s existing composting facility in Forbes, NSW, with the addition of a 50,000-tonne-per-year anaerobic digestion (AD) plant. Under this agreement, OREZ will provide Front-End Engineering Design (FEED), detailed design, and procurement management services, paving the way for the construction and commissioning of the new facility.

This partnership establishes a structured framework that will govern the collaboration between the two companies through to the facility’s planned startup in 2027 and beyond. The project represents a significant expansion of Topsoil Organics’ capabilities, integrating anaerobic digestion to process a broader range of organic waste, generate renewable electricity, and produce high-quality soil enhancement products.

The expansion will further establish the Forbes facility as a key regional hub for commercial food waste processing, helping businesses meet NSW’s 2030 goal of halving food waste to landfill while maximizing resource recovery and sustainable energy generation.

Expanding Waste Processing to Support Commercial Food Waste Diversion

Currently, Topsoil Organics processes green waste, agricultural residues, and food production byproducts into compost, mulches, and soil amendments that support Australian agriculture and land rehabilitation. With the addition of anaerobic digestion, the facility will broaden its waste acceptance criteria to include:

• Commercial-grade food waste from supermarkets, food manufacturers, and distribution centres
• Expired and unsold food products from retail and wholesale suppliers
• High-moisture organic waste that is unsuitable for composting but ideal for anaerobic digestion
• Source-separated organics from hospitality, food service, and large-scale catering operations

From Food Waste to Renewable Electricity and Regenerative Agriculture

Once operational, the new facility will convert organic waste into renewable electricity, which will be used to power onsite operations, supplied to local industries, or exported to the grid. Additionally, the plant will produce:

• Nutrient-rich digestate, a valuable organic byproduct that will enhance soil fertility and support regenerative farming.
• Advanced compost formulations, integrating digestate and composted materials to deliver specialized soil improvement products for farms, councils, and land managers.

A Strategic Partnership for Long-Term Waste Innovation

Under the ECI agreement, OREZ will lead the design of the facility, ensuring seamless integration with Topsoil Organics’ existing composting operations and planning activities. The agreement establishes a structured framework for collaboration between the two companies, guiding the design, procurement, and construction phases to ensure a seamless transition from initial planning to full-scale operation in 2027, pending necessary approvals.

“This partnership with OREZ is a major step forward in expanding our capabilities,” said Dan Nicholson, CEO at Topsoil Organics. “Our vision is to transform this facility into a key regional hub for New South Wales, receiving and processing organic waste from across the state while continuing to produce high-value soil products, now complemented by renewable electricity. With anaerobic digestion, we will significantly broaden the types of waste we can process, ensuring that more commercial food waste is diverted from landfill and repurposed into valuable resources.”

“NSW must develop the capacity to process an additional 1 million tonnes of organic waste annually by 2030 to meet its landfill diversion targets. This facility will play a crucial role in bridging that gap, delivering large-scale, sustainable waste processing infrastructure that aligns with the state’s circular economy goals. By integrating anaerobic digestion with our existing composting operations, we are not only closing the loop on organic waste but also setting a new benchmark for the industry.”

OREZ, a leader in waste-to-energy and advanced organics processing facilities, sees this project as a model for regional waste innovation. “This collaboration with Topsoil Organics is a perfect example of how anaerobic digestion and composting can work together to maximize resource recovery,” said Max Bergomi, CEO of OREZ. “We’re excited to support the design and execution of this project, which will play a critical role in meeting state waste reduction targets and generating renewable energy.”

A Model for Sustainable Waste Management

The Forbes facility will establish a new benchmark for integrated organic waste processing, combining composting and anaerobic digestion in one location to:

• Process up to 50,000 tonnes of additional organic waste per year through the facility, complementing the existing 50,000 tonne composting capacity and significantly reducing landfill reliance and methane emissions.
• Expand waste acceptance to include a wider range of food and organic waste materials.
• Generate renewable electricity to support regional energy needs and industrial users.
• Deliver premium compost and soil enhancement products, supporting sustainable agriculture and environmental rehabilitation.

With FEED engineering now underway, the partners expect to progress regulatory approvals and procurement, leading to construction and commissioning over the next two years.

About Topsoil Organics

Topsoil Organics is a leading provider of composting and organic waste recovery services, producing high-quality composts, mulches, and soil amendments for agriculture, landscaping, and land rehabilitation. With a strong focus on sustainability and waste diversion, Topsoil Organics helps businesses and councils manage their organic waste in an environmentally responsible and commercially viable way.

About OREZ

OREZ specialises in the design, construction, and operations support of organic waste processing facilities, delivering anaerobic digestion, composting, and bioenergy solutions across Australia. With expertise in engineering, procurement, construction and construction management, OREZ is committed to driving innovation in sustainable waste processing and circular economy projects.

For further information, please contact:
Ollie Brunt
Sales & Partnerships Manager
+61 474 904 492
o.brunt@orez.com.au

OREZ x Topsoil Media Release