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Sanitation director outlines $1.1M–$1.35M shredder options, says grinder could greatly extend landfill life
Summary
Sanitation staff presented vendor quotes for a commercial grinder/shredder and said the machine could reduce disposal costs and substantially extend landfill class-3 capacity; commissioners asked for financial details and possible grant opportunities.
Jefferson County sanitation staff presented vendor quotes for a commercial shredder/grinder that would process construction and demolition material, tires and bulky items, and said the equipment could reduce disposal costs and extend the landfill's usable life.
Sanitation Director Eric Lorde said he solicited quotes from three vendors. One 2025 model quote for a tracked shredder was $1,113,000; a second, more complete bid including conveyors was $1,356,960. Lorde also outlined a stripped-down option (shredder plus magnet and one conveyor) totaling about $1,057,320 under a Sourcewell contract price.
Costs, savings and landfill life
Lorde told commissioners the county pays approximately $3,000 per contracted tire pickup and that shredding tires would allow them to be reclassified (Class 3) and stored more compactly, extending landfill life. "I could see it being extended 80 years," Lorde said when asked how long a grinder might add to class-3 capacity.
He said vendors estimated equipment life at 10–12 years depending on use; the county would likely not run the machine daily but several days per week. Lorde noted a paused federal grant that might have covered capital costs; he said he will continue to pursue funding avenues.
Questions and next steps
Commissioners asked about funding sources, whether the county has year-end funds to purchase the equipment and the potential effect on closure/post-closure financial obligations. County staff said a purchase would need to be weighed against required landfill closure reserves and recent class-3 closure work the commission already authorized.
Lorde said Sourcewell pricing could be used to avoid a new bidding process; commissioners asked staff to return with financial options and more precise cost-benefit analysis.
Ending
No purchase vote occurred. Sanitation staff will provide additional cost estimates, grant-search updates and potential payback calculations at a future meeting.
