Midland Davis Corp. wins local recycling award

Moline, Illinois-based recycler Midland Davis Corp. received the Keep Moline Beautiful Superhero Award earlier this month. The company was honored by the city of Moline and the Keep Moline Beautiful Commission for its commitment to sustainability. The award is given annually to individuals, organizations and businesses that “go above and beyond with their efforts to keep Moline beautiful and clean.”   

“This is the second time we have received this award,” says Laura Davis, Midland Davis controller. “Marty and Mitch Davis received the award in 2013, and we are honored for the continued recognition for our commitment to recycling and sustainability for over 130 years. We have all known for years that recycling is a key part of the circular economy, and we are glad to see others recognizing that role.” 

Midland Davis processes ferrous and nonferrous scrap, paper, plastics and wood for residents and businesses in Moline. For almost 20 years, the company has processed curbside recycling and says it is always looking for ways to diversify its services.  

The company’s nomination letter highlights its wood pallet refurbishing division, which recently allowed Midland Davis to hire 10 new employees. The service refurbishes wood pallets for reuse and shreds discarded pallets to be used as mulch and boiler fuel.  

Other services the company provides include document destruction, retail buyback, brokerage and freight.  

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Midland Davis President Marty Davis says the company has been critical in helping Illinois’ Rock Island County meet its landfill diversion goals over the years.  

“Moline is the only city in Rock Island County that [requires curbside recycling],” he says. “That’s the other thing we've done, not only for the city but for the whole county, was really bump up the amount of material being diverted from the landfill.” 

Marty Davis says the company’s relationship with the city of Moline is symbiotic, expressing pride in their ability to work together for the betterment of the city. 

“We've had a few instances where there have been major windstorms. The city picks up all of the trees and tree limbs that get knocked down, and they'll bring them here, and we grind that wood up,” he says. “We’ve worked together with the city on multiple occasions for things, and I think we're quite proud of the fact that we have a good relationship with the city.” 

In the coming years, Marty Davis says the company plans to expand its wood recycling services, with a focus on growing its wood pallet recycling division.