A composting firm that wanted to set up shop in south DeKalb County has withdrawn its proposal in the face of constant public opposition.

Greenco Environmental informed the county of its decision last week, though by voluntarily removing its permit application, the firm can come back, said associate planning director Andrew Baker.

The withdrawal came just a little more than a week after the county Planning Commission deferred the controversial plan to turn organic food waste into compost on 22 acres of the LaFarge Quarry in Lithonia, where it would be about a mile from neighborhoods.

Hundreds of residents have opposed the plant, saying it is would still be too close to their homes.