Concrete Trash to Cash

Words: Rolly Coxhttps://masoncontractors.azurewebsites.net/Public/News/20110303060000-1.jpg" width="600" height="338" border="0" alt="Atlas Block incorporates up to 36% post-consumer recycledmaterial in its concrete manufacturing process." />
Atlas Block incorporates up to 36% post-consumer recycledmaterial in its concrete manufacturing process.
Pat Tanner, owner of Tanner Excavating, encountered a dilemma when removing excessive concrete waste from his company’s job sites. Tanner was charged $10 per yard of construction trash at the local land fill, in addition to the cost of transporting the debris from the site to the landfill. He soon realized this was not a cost-effective way to run a business.

Tanner began transporting the debris to his farm, where he had plans to eventually dispose of it. In less than 12 months, the excessive concrete waste on Tanner’s property quickly grew from a small pile, to approximately 200 feet long by 25 feet wide and ten feet tall.

After researching various solutions, Tanner read about Multiquip’s EZ Grout Hog Crusher online. Multiquip quickly arranged for a demonstration at Tanner’s farm through its local dealer, Michigan CAT.

The EZ Grout Hog Crusher was able to compress large slabs and chunks of concrete, with the assistance of a mini-excavator, into a useable grade of fill. Within two hours, Tanner had approximately 12,000 lbs. of useable fill that he could now sell.

“In Michigan you are not permitted to create a dump site or landfill on your property; however storing for rescaling is allowed. As an owner of the EZ Grout Hog Crusher, I am in compliance with all of the disposal laws,” said Tanner. “I have literally turned my trash into cash, contributing to our company’s bottom line.”

The EZ Grout Hog Crusher Job Site Material Recycler was capable of pulverizing recyclable material in minutes, thus eliminating the need to have debris removed from Tanner’s various construction job sites. It was also capable of handling materials of different sizes and composed varying strengths of concrete.

The EZ Grout Hog Crusher provided a cost-effective, reliable and durable product that helped excavators perform their job faster and easier. It has also saved tens of thousands of dollars annually to Tanner Excavating from expensive disposal costs.
About: Featured
The Cornerstone of Success: Safety and Documentation in Masonry
April 2025

The masonry industry plays a vital role in constructing our homes, businesses, and infrastructure. Yet, beneath the enduring beauty of brick and stone lies a complex and often hazardous work environment. Ensuring the safety of workers and maintaining docu

How It's Made: Natural Stone Veneer
April 2025

Natural stone veneer is a durable, versatile, and aesthetically pleasing building material that has been used for centuries. It adds timeless beauty to masonry projects while offering structural integrity and resilience. But how does natural stone veneer

Vibing Masonry #5 - The Evolution of Concrete Masonry Units: From Ancient Foundations to Modern Innovations
April 2025

Early Development: The Genesis of Concrete Blocks (early Rome to 1900s) The history of concrete masonry units (CMUs) or concrete blocks begins with humanity’s earliest binding materials, notably the Romans’ remarkable concrete. Around AD 125, structures l

MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Episode 18 Recap: Jeff Tew, Westlake Royal Stone Solutions
April 2025

On this episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Jeff Tew joins the show, along with MCAA President Jeff Buczkiewicz, to talk about where his passion for this industry started and what it's been like working on the Supplier side of the industry. An Excitin