Organic Waste Composting is a simple way to recycle and help save your local environment.

7/20/2010 7:17:00 PM Waste diversion DeVere, Taylor looks to provide an affordable alternative to landfill dumping

by Jamie Falkovitz Our local landfills organic waste will soon be diverted with the opening of Devlor Renewal. Devlor Renewal, which began this February, turns 1/3 of the organic waste into organic humidified compost. The waste can be recycled and will cost less than a trip to the landfill, reducing landfill space and polluting gases. Angela DeVere and Jeremy Taylor partnered in the business, hope Devlor Renewal will create more business opportunities to the area, as well as help the local environment. "It protects the environment by dumping less in landfills," DeVere said. Located at the old Savanna Army Depot, building 1100 off of McIntyre Road, Devlor Renewal covers Jo Daviess and Carroll counties. There are 20 acres of land, consisting of two buildings and a shed. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, "yard trimmings and food residuals together constitute 1/3 of the U.S. waste." With the Food Scrap Composting Revitalization and Advancement program making it legal to compost food scraps last November, it opened the doors for Devlor Renewal. Devlor Renewal charges less money per ton for what they receive. Cardboard rolls, coffee grounds and filters, eggshells, fireplace ashes, grass clippings and sawdust are a few of the many organic materials that Devlor Renewal will accept. Devlor Renewal veers away from items such as black walnut tree leaves or twigs because it could release substances harmful to plants; dairy products such as sour cream or yogurt because it creates odor problems and attracts pests; or pet wastes because it might contain parasites or bacteria. Once turned into compost, it can eliminate plant diseases and pests, reduce the need for chemical fertilizers, facilitate reforestation and promote higher yields of agricultural crops. As of now, people have to drive to East Moline's Upper Rock Island County Landfill, but the opening of Devlor Renewal provides a closer location to people of Jo Daviess and Carroll counties. Through the years, Devlor Renewal will benefit golf courses, farmers and landscaping industries. With a harvest being completed every 10 weeks, Devlor hopes to have six harvests 100 feet long by five feet high. To speed up the process, the material is covered in tarp, turned every 10 days and sprayed with a substance that decomposes it. "We hope to start harvesting compost by this fall," DeVere said. In one year, Taylor and DeVere hope to double or triple the amount of harvesting. The company is currently looking for donations from surrounding communities. They are in need of money for composting equipment such as a tractor with deck mower, chain saw and a commercial wood chipper. The majority of the volunteers at the depot are DeVere's family, but DeVere hopes others will find an interest in protecting the local environment. DeVere will be delivering fliers to various businesses like Walmart and landscaping companies. The fliers will include directions to Devlor Renewal, background on the company, organic material that can be composted and more. For more information or to donate contact DeVere at 815-281-1392.