Since 2021, the company has operated a “cutting-edge pilot plant”
Local Waste management technology company Novastus hosted representatives from the White House Environmental Task Force (ETF) including Ed Russo, chair of the White House ETF, at the company’s Cookeville headquarters in February.
Novastus, Formerly EKAMOR Resource Corporation, caught the Task Force’s attention through its revolutionary waste management technology, according to a release by the company. Since 2021, the company has operated a “cutting-edge pilot plant” in Cookeville where it processes waste materials and secures multiple Department of Energy grants to “convert garbage and agricultural waste into fuel.”
Russo praised Novastus’ innovation.
“After four decades of searching for a sustainable and environmentally safe waste solution, I have finally found the technology that prevents waste from going to landfills,” said Russo.
Novastus, under the leadership of Michael Idelchik, who previously led innovative technology initiatives at GE for 16 years, has been awarded four U.S. patents while maintaining “a robust international patent portfolio on its process.”
Officials from across the U.S., Asia, South and Central America, Europe and Africa have witnessed what Novastus calls a “game-changing process.” Novastus Co-founder Kelly Warbis says the technology, which converts odorous garbage into dry, odorless fuel, is groundbreaking.
“While Putnam County remains our preferred headquarters location given our strong roots here, we are mindful of those communities that are actively looking for waste solutions,” said Warbis. “Many municipalities are bound by long-term agreements that require waste to be hauled to landfills, making it challenging to introduce new technologies. We are committed to progress and are actively exploring opportunities in multiple cities that are finding creative ways to implement this technology. We have built strong relationships with municipalities eager to enhance their waste diversion efforts, and we anticipate finalizing our plans within the next 90 days.”
Novastus is working toward the launch of a first-of-its-kind commercial facility in the Southeast. The company hopes the facility will be up and running over the next nine to 12 months.
“This facility aims to process a minimum of 50,000 tons of waste annually,” according to the release, “with future plans to double capacity. Companies are already committed to using the fuel, and only inert materials like glass and dirt will be sent to landfills.”
Photo via Google Maps.
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