Wood Waste Recycling Shredders Turn Cost to Profit

The Challenge of Growing Wood Waste Disposal Costs

To read more about Reardon Pallet’s success with their Cresswood grinder, check out the full article “We Love Our Cresswood Grinder” featured in Pallet Enterprise Magazine.

For pallet manufacturers, managing wood waste efficiently represents one of the most significant operational challenges. As businesses grow, what once seemed like manageable disposal costs can quickly spiral into substantial monthly expenses.

This reality hit home for Dan Reardon Jr., president and owner of Reardon Pallet Co. in Fairfax, Kansas. Their success had created a new problem: wood waste volume had reached a point where third-party processing costs were becoming prohibitively expensive.

“We were spending a small fortune processing our waste,” explained Reardon. “This partnership worked well for a long time, but our volume got to the point that we knew we needed to do this in-house.”

The solution came through Boulware Equipment and their recommendation of American made industrial shredders from Cresswood – a decision that would transform their wood waste from a costly liability into a profitable asset.

World Class Industrial Grinders: The Cresswood Solution

When evaluating options for in-house waste processing, Reardon Pallet considered various approaches, including exterior grinding systems. After working with Brad Boulware, they chose Cresswood’s world class industrial grinders for their superior design and operational advantages.

“We worked with Brad Boulware to find a solution for our grinding challenge. He was really easy to work with and knew how to help us find the right solution,” Reardon noted.

The pallet recycling shredders from Cresswood offered a unique advantage: an enclosed, interior-mounted system that eliminated drawbacks associated with traditional exterior grinding operations.

The installation featured an innovative approach where waste is transported via forklift in self-dumping hoppers and dropped into a chute leading directly to the grinding system. Ground material is then conveyed and blown into a walking-floor trailer, creating a completely contained process.

Beyond Wood: Cresswood’s Comprehensive Recycling Solutions

While Reardon Pallet’s success centers on wood recycling shredders, Cresswood’s expertise extends far beyond wood waste processing. Our comprehensive lineup of wood waste recycling shredders represents just one facet of their industrial recycling capabilities.

Cresswood also manufactures specialized plastic recycling pre-shredders designed to handle various plastic waste streams, helping manufacturers optimize their material recovery processes.

For businesses dealing with paper waste, Cresswood offers advanced paper recycling shredders and paper core recycling shredder systems that efficiently process everything from cardboard to industrial paper waste. Additionally, our used machine shredders provide cost-effective solutions for businesses seeking reliable pre-owned equipment.

Operational Excellence and Financial Impact

The results of Reardon Pallet’s Cresswood installation exceeded all expectations. “The Cresswood grinder has been terrific. It really changed what we did with our wood waste. We took something that had been an expense for us to get rid of and turned it into a profit center,” Reardon reported.

The return on investment for these wood waste recycling shredders proved far better than anticipated, with the system paying for itself much faster than the originally projected 2.5-3 year timeframe.

One of the most significant advantages came from transportation efficiency. The ground material could accommodate 4-5 times more volume per load compared to solid wood waste, dramatically reducing hauling costs.

“Some customers were unreachable for us because they also have significant disposal needs. In the past, I was having to charge them more, which made me less competitive. Now that I have the Cresswood grinder, I am much more competitive,” Reardon explained.

Safety and Environmental Advantages

Beyond financial benefits, the Cresswood system delivered significant safety and environmental improvements. The enclosed design eliminated the mess and dust associated with exterior grinding operations while significantly reducing noise levels.

“Exterior grinders tend to be loud and messy. Dust gets everywhere, and you need a significant amount of yard space to operate them,” Reardon noted.

The low-RPM technology that characterizes these world class industrial grinders reduces noise, minimizes wear on components, and reduces fire risk. “Cresswood is just different technology. It has lower rotation speed per minute, which makes it quieter than exterior grinders,” Reardon observed.

The self-contained system also eliminated waste buildup in the yard, removing fire hazards and improving overall site organization.

Proven Durability and Minimal Maintenance

Eighteen months after installation, these American made industrial shredders continue to perform at peak efficiency with minimal maintenance requirements.

“Like any grinder, there are maintenance issues to monitor. But the Cresswood grinder is an absolute bull. It is constructed of heavy-duty steel and built to perform. We have had very little maintenance so far in terms of wear parts. And it still looks pretty new,” Reardon reported.

This durability reflects Cresswood’s commitment to manufacturing robust, long-lasting equipment that can withstand demanding industrial conditions while maintaining consistent performance.

Leading the Future of Sustainable Waste Processing

Reardon Pallet’s success story exemplifies how the right waste processing technology can transform business operations. As the pallet industry continues to face pressure to reduce costs while improving sustainability, Cresswood’s comprehensive solutions provide the tools needed to meet these challenges.

Whether you’re processing wood waste, plastic materials, or paper products, Cresswood offers specialized equipment designed to maximize efficiency and profitability. Ready to transform your waste processing operations? Explore our complete range of American made industrial shredding solutions:

XR500 – Ideal for pallet boards, blocks, and pieces
XR600 – Perfect for whole pallets and pallet scrap
XR700 – For high volumes of whole pallets, crates, and wood scrap
XR2400 – The ultimate solution for large volumes of industrial dunnage scrap

Discover how Cresswood’s technology can help you turn waste into profit. Contact us today to learn more about our products or request a consultation with our team.