Posted on February 13, 2026
![from idea to impact]()
Finding ways to keep material out of the landfill is always a priority, especially construction and demolition (C&D) material like concrete, which doesn’t compact well and can be rough on our equipment.
While trying to divert this material at Metro Park East Landfill, the C&D team kept running into the same challenge: mixed loads that contained mostly dirt and small amounts of concrete. Separating those materials could take hours, slowing operations and tying up valuable time.
Josh, a Heavy Equipment Operator, saw an opportunity for improvement and suggested a grizzly bar – a simple piece of equipment with metal bars spaced out to allow smaller material like dirt to fall through while separating out larger material like concrete.
Brennan, the Landfill Supervisor, brought the idea to Colby, the C&D Operations Manager, who immediately saw its potential. Working with Brian in Special Projects, the team identified scrap metal around the facility that could be repurposed to build the equipment in-house.
With approval in place, Brian and Matt, a Medium Equipment Operator, got to work…and in less than two months, they had a fully functioning grizzly bar, made mostly from recycled materials!
The impact was immediate. Mixed loads are now quickly sorted in about 10 minutes, with concrete directed to C&D and dirt sent to the landfill for use as daily cover.
It’s a great reminder that sometimes the best solutions come from the people closest to the work every day. A little innovation, teamwork, and a willingness to try something new can turn a frontline idea into a practical solution that makes a real difference!