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TOWN OF ORCHAR P KTURNS STE INTOV LUABLE COMMODITIES

COVER STORY

On average, a US. household generates 650pounds of compostable material, includingyard waste, faod scraps, and paper, each yearUnfortunately, 60 percent af this material goesinto landfills instead ofbeing recycled, Municipalcompostfacilities such as the one in the Town ofOrchard Park, New York, are recyding organic andyard waste into compost and mulch, materials thathelp restore depleted soil andfuel plant growth.And they’re saving Iheir romniunuies mone,~

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BACK INTO THE LAND INSTEAD OF LANDFILLSOrchard Park is a community of approximately 27,000. It’shome to the Buffalo Bills. Ralph Wilson Stadium, or “theRalph” as it is known, is about a 10-minute drive from themunicipal compost facility.

Frederick Piasecki, Jr., Facility Director of the compost facilityin Orchard Park, grabs a handful of compost from a longwindrow. “Black gold:’ he says. “Our facility probably saves thecommunity a-half-a-million dollars a year by diverting wastefrom costly landfills. Plus we can sell our materials to coverour operation costs~’

The facility produces 30,000 cubic yards of the black stuff eachyear. The facility collects and community members bring inleaves, which are biodegraded into a valuable organic fertilizer.The facility also collects brush and tree trimmings fromresidents, other municipalities, and tree services, which isground into chips and used to produce mulch.

“We’re receiving from nature, and we’re giving back:’ saysPiasecki. “Residents of Orchard Park love our facility. Theycan buy compost and mulch at reduced cost. And once a yearwe have a free mulch day for our residents. People mark thaton their calendars and are lined up down the block. We alsosell our material to landscapers and garden centers~’

The facility is immaculate and state of the art. A massive expanseof asphalt provides a smooth, clean surface, making it easy totend to the long windrows of compost and mulch. “We’ve hadBoy Scout troops and garden clubs in here to learn about theprocess:’ says Piasecki. “We’re very proud of this facility.”

TURNING OVER AN OLD LEAFThe facility’s three John Deere loaders are constantly on the go.A 244J Compact Loader loads and unloads customer vehicles,while a larger 444K Loader tows a Wildcat compost turnerpowered by a Deere engine. The turner constantly inverts thecompost piles, which introduces oxygen into the mix and speedsdecomposition. A Deere 644J Loader is used for the mulchoperation by moving the brush, feeding the chipper, andstockpiling buckets of mulch.

“Our newest addition is the 244J,” says Piasecki. “We’re reallydelighted with it. Its compact size is perfect for stockpilingin tight areas around the tall windrows. Visibility is outstanding,which is important for safety when loading up customervehicles. It has ample power and lift capacity. The cab issuper-spacious and comfortable. It’s just the ideal piece ofequipment~’

The facility hasn’t had many issues with its John Deere machines, butPiasecki knows the local Deere dealer, Five Star Equipment, is rightthere for them. “Five Star has been just really phenomenal. We havea great relationship with the service manager. We can’t say enoughabout them. And John Deere just keeps making better and bettermachines that we know we can rely on. We’re very happy with themand will be sticking with them.”

The Town ofOrchord Pork is serviced by Five Star Equipment Inc., Orchard Park, New York.

~ Checkoutthe video at: IiohnDeere.comItownoforchardp~J

COVER STORY

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+ BENEFITS OF COMPOSTING

Helps produce bacteria and Reduces Lowers Enriches soil, whichfungi that break down dependence methane helps retain moisture

organic matter to create on chemical emissions and suppress plantrich, nutrient-filled material fertilizers from landfills diseases and pests

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Need a compact loader to get big results. Step up tothe tight-turning, heavy-lifting John Deere 244K Loader. Thisversatile machine combines outstanding maneuverability, travelspeed, breakout force, reach, and stability to tackle tasks othermachines can’t. Oscillating stereo steering delivers a smoothturning radius that’s up to 20-percent tighter than comparableloaders — for faster cycle times and better material retentionover rough terrain. Add a spacious cab and extra uptime fromsealed electrical connections, more durable axles, and extendedservice intervals, and you’ve got a multipurpose machine thatis ready, able, and willing to takeon whatever work you’ve got. VV.::)

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