With 100 grocery stores across Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Nebraska, maintaining the recycling and trash for Fareway Stores is no easy task. But they have the equipment, systems, and staff in place to make it efficient. Leo Hickey, who has been responsible for the “In Store” maintenance since 1993 explains, “Each of the 100 Fareway Stores has one M60MD Baler for baling recyclable cardboard. They also have one M42BC Baler that is used to make trash bales. Our warehouse recycles cardboard, plastic, and aluminum.”

With the commitment to their green recycling and waste management initiatives, Fareway Stores has made huge strives that benefit both their company and the environment. “All of our qualified employees are able to use the balers because they are simple and straightforward to operate,” Leo goes on, “Last year, as a company, we recycled 9000 tons of cardboard.” In addition to the positive impact to Mother Earth, the landfill fees that Fareway Stores has saved is enormous.

“Last year, as a company, we recycled 9000 tons of cardboard.”

The balers that Fareway Stores uses have proven themselves to be reliable and easy to use over not just years, but decades. Fareway currently has a large number of the M60 Balers that are 25 years old or older. The advice that Leo would give to other retailers or grocers who are trying to manage their waste or recycling is simple, “Use the M60MD Baler by Harmony Enterprises. It is a ‘workhorse’. We have proven it.”

“Use the M60MD Baler by Harmony Enterprises. It is a ‘workhorse’. We have proven it.”

When Fareway needs replacement parts or customer support, they get the same service they pride themselves on giving their own customers. Leo explains, “Harmony’s customer service is top notch. They consistently come thru with whatever I need and as quick as humanly possible. I can’t say enough how pleased I am with their service.” Leo sees the similarities between the two companies, “Fareway Stores has been built on the promise of ‘Economical Food Distribution’ and outstanding customer service. We always carry your groceries to your car and put them in it for you. Harmony Enterprises reminds me a lot of us. They seem to have the same values that we have at Fareway.”