District warns grinding costs may rise; board approves request-for-quotes for grinding services

District staff told the Porter County Recycling & Reduction District board on March 18 that buying new grinding equipment could cost between $2 million and $3 million for the two machines needed to handle expected volumes, while a used grinder offered by a neighboring solid-waste district could reduce capital expense.

Staff framed the discussion around volume and logistics: the district handles an estimated 60,000–70,000 cubic yards of brush annually across sites and currently shares grinding costs with municipalities (e.g., Valparaiso and Portage split bills with the district supplementing municipal grinding costs by about $40,000). Members and staff discussed the potential that the district might no longer be able to afford grinding and what responsibility the district legally has to grind for municipalities under existing agreements.

The board approved a motion to release a request for quotes for grinding services at four compost sites, with a pre-bid meeting scheduled for April 8 and a public bid opening on April 22. Staff said the RFQ approach would allow them to evaluate contractor pricing versus capital purchase, consider hauling and storage costs, and return with numbers for a longer-term decision.

Board members asked staff to analyze cost alternatives, including whether municipalities would contract independently and whether a market exists for ground material to offset hauling and disposal expenses. Staff also noted increasing storm debris volumes — including tornado-related brush — that have elevated grinding needs this season.