Putnam Approves Ekamor Solid Waste Facility On Broad St

Construction moving forward on a some 13,000 square foot solid waste facility after the Putnam County Commission approved the company’s request Tuesday.

The company Ekamor focuses on municipal waste and want to use the location to showcase its technology. CEO Kelly Warbis said the facility will be built at 1368 West Broad Street.

“We’re making different combinations of fuel pellets for one of the largest gasification technology companies in the country,” Warbis said. “We’ll be working mainly with the municipal solid waste as well as ag waste for that.”

Mayor Randy Porter said the opportunity gives commissioners a chance to view the process first hand and possibly consider the technology for use at county solid waste facilities. Ultimately reducing the amount of trash entering the county landfill and lessening carbon output.

“We’re going to have to do something in the future,” Porter said. “Either build a new transfer station, add an addition or do something like this, and I think think this is something we should strongly consider.”

Warbis said the patented process is non-thermal and dries the waste. Warbis said through the work, the company wants to engineer an alternative fuel.

Warbis said the facility would have nine employees to start. Warbis said he anticipates 23 employees and a $2.8 million payroll in year three. Warbis said about 16 tons of waste would go through the facility each day.

Ekamor was formed some three years ago in Chicago. Warbis said his team spent a year and a half testing the technology. The next step is to demonstrate and prove its capabilities.

Several commissioners voiced concerns of the odor associated with the facility Tuesday. Warbis said that would not be an issue with waste remaining indoors with several precautions such as negative airflow and air filters.

County Attorney Jeff Jones said due to the county adopting the Jackson Law in 1989, the commission was required to vote on the matter.