size reduction equipment

size reduction equipment

Designing Waste Solutions with Precision – How The Mark-Costello Co. Customizes Size Reduction Equipment for Industrial Needs

Industrial waste management requires more than basic disposal—it demands equipment that can handle high volumes, varied materials, and the physical constraints of real-world facilities. That’s why The Mark-Costello Co. focuses on building size reduction equipment that’s engineered around performance, safety, and integration. Every facility has different waste profiles, and whether you're operating a distribution center generating piles of corrugated packaging or a food processor with wet organic waste, the equipment you use must meet specific requirements for durability, throughput, and efficiency. Our process begins by evaluating exactly what kind of material your operation needs to reduce. Are you handling rigid plastics, wood pallets, paper waste, or a mix of streams? We tailor the design of your reduction system accordingly. Blade types, motor horsepower, feed sizes, and discharge methods are all selected based on the waste characteristics and intended output.

We’ve developed equipment capable of handling virtually every type of industrial and commercial waste stream. In high-volume e-commerce and fulfillment environments, where thousands of boxes and void fill materials must be managed daily, we install automatic shredding systems that cut and feed materials directly into compactors or balers. This approach eliminates the labor required for manual breaking-down of boxes and drastically reduces the time needed to manage recyclables. In environments where security is paramount, like pharmaceutical manufacturing or secure facilities, we supply shredders with particle size reduction capabilities that meet HIPAA and federal destruction regulations. These systems destroy everything from pill bottles to patient records, ensuring compliance while maintaining minimal operational interruption.

The construction of our machines reflects decades of experience in high-performance waste handling. Our shredders and grinders are fabricated from industrial-grade steel, include hardened cutting mechanisms, and are powered by motors that are spec’d for high torque and reliability. More importantly, we don’t ship cookie-cutter machines and expect you to make them work in your space. We use site drawings and equipment modeling to ensure the reduction system fits precisely into your layout. If you have height limitations, tight corners, or multi-floor operations, we can adjust system architecture to fit. Custom hoppers, discharge conveyors, safety gates, and access platforms are fabricated to meet OSHA standards while ensuring the system functions as naturally as possible within your facility’s existing flow. When we install, we don’t just drop off a machine—we provide a turnkey package that includes drawings, schematics, on-site coordination, and post-installation support. Our customers aren’t just buying equipment; they’re getting a long-term waste solution engineered by a company that’s been in the business for over 65 years.

Full-System Integration – Streamlining Workflow with High-Performance Waste Reduction Solutions

Effective waste management systems should simplify your process, not complicate it. At The Mark-Costello Co., we integrate size reduction equipment into broader waste handling systems that support your existing production, packaging, and shipping workflows. It’s not just about what a shredder can cut—it’s about how that shredding supports your people, your safety goals, your material handling, and your bottom line. That’s why we specialize in creating fully integrated systems that tie shredding or grinding into balers, compactors, conveyors, and air evacuation lines. This creates a seamless end-to-end operation that maximizes efficiency while eliminating downtime and unnecessary labor.

For companies in warehousing, logistics, or manufacturing, the ability to manage waste at the point of generation is crucial. We design in-line shredding systems that allow material to be loaded directly from a conveyor or packing station and reduced in size instantly. From there, the shredded material is either compacted, baled, or transported through ductwork to a centralized collection area. This not only reduces the physical footprint of your waste but ensures fewer forklift runs, safer walkways, and more efficient labor usage. In high-turnover operations, reducing the physical effort involved in managing cardboard and packaging directly correlates to fewer injuries and lower operating costs. We’ve helped companies reduce their waste handling labor by over 40% simply by automating the reduction and transfer steps within their building.

Our size reduction solutions are just as critical in environments like foodservice and healthcare, where sanitation and waste stream separation are high priorities. In these settings, our wet waste grinders and pulping systems can be installed in dishwashing areas, kitchens, or janitorial closets to ensure that food waste and compostable material are safely and quickly processed before disposal. These grinders use heavy-duty impellers and sealed housings to ensure leak-free operation while connecting to plumbing infrastructure for hygienic and code-compliant discharge. By removing food waste from your waste bins and compactors, these systems significantly reduce odors, pests, and hauling costs, while supporting compliance with zero-landfill or composting initiatives.

In settings such as hospitals, airports, and educational institutions, our shredders are used for everything from destroying outdated uniforms and ID cards to reducing general waste for incineration. Our team works closely with facility managers, architects, and contractors to install units that comply with fire code, meet electrical specs, and support ongoing maintenance. Control systems can be as simple or as advanced as needed—from basic push-button operation to programmable logic controllers (PLC) with sensor feedback, overload protection, auto-reverse functions, and production logging. Because every system is tailored, we also provide panel integration, signage, safety labeling, and training for operators to ensure your staff is fully equipped to use and maintain the equipment properly.

Why Choose Us

Decades of Experience

Mark Costello has been a trusted name in waste management for decades, delivering reliable and effective solutions that businesses count on.

Cutting-Edge Technology

Using the latest technology, We ensures that waste management systems are efficient and up to industry standards, from food digesters to compactors.

Customized Solutions

At Mark Costello,we provides tailored waste management solutions that fit each business’s unique needs, ensuring a smooth integration into existing operations.

Focused on Sustainability

Mark Costello is dedicated to helping businesses achieve their sustainability goals by turning waste into valuable resources, supporting a greener future.

size reduction equipment

How to Get Started with a Custom-Engineered Waste Reduction System

We make it easy for facilities to get the right system for their needs, without guesswork. The best way to begin is by completing the Reduction Equipment Request for Quote form on our website. This form collects the key information our engineers need to design an appropriate and cost-effective system. It asks about your material type, throughput, space limitations, and disposal methods. Are you handling bulky wood crates or soft plastics? Does your facility generate 500 pounds of waste per day or 5,000 pounds per hour? Do you need the system to tie into existing automation or power limits? These are the kinds of questions that let us custom-fit a system to your workflow rather than making you work around a generic product.

Once we receive your quote request, our engineering team conducts a detailed analysis based on the form inputs. We’ll reach out with any clarifying questions, assess compatibility with your current infrastructure, and walk you through potential layout options. We provide CAD renderings and system specifications so you can review the design in advance. If your building has unique constraints—like a mezzanine structure, low ceiling height, or limited dock access—we factor those into the equipment layout and installation plan. Every component, from feed chutes to discharge lines to lockout panels, is engineered for your space, your waste, and your production cycle.

We also provide a full range of lifecycle services to ensure your system continues to perform as intended. This includes preventative maintenance plans, technician site visits, remote troubleshooting, and spare parts delivery. Many of our systems come with extended warranties and performance benchmarks to help you monitor the ROI of your size reduction process over time. For companies seeking to improve sustainability metrics, we also provide consultation around waste tracking and landfill diversion, helping you understand exactly how your investment in size reduction impacts your environmental footprint.

At The Mark-Costello Co., our approach to size reduction is both strategic and personal. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all waste equipment. Every machine we deliver is designed to solve a specific problem—whether that’s excess labor, rising hauling costs, or the need to meet new environmental mandates. With thousands of installations across the U.S. and internationally, our reputation is built on delivering systems that perform for decades. If you're looking to improve your waste handling, support your workforce, and streamline your operations, our size reduction equipment is built to exceed expectations and deliver results.

Send Us a Message

Send us a message with your questions or concerns and our team member will contact you. We’d love to hear from you.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Trusted by Those We Serve

Frequently Asked Questions

 Our equipment is engineered to handle a wide variety of materials, including cardboard, paper, shrink wrap, wood pallets, plastic strapping, foam, food waste, and secure items like ID cards or pharmaceuticals. Each system is tailored to your specific waste stream.

You can start by outlining the type of material you need to process, the amount of waste your facility generates, and any specific space limitations or operational needs. Once these details are available, our engineering team will evaluate the information and recommend a system that aligns with your workflow, volume requirements, and facility layout.

Yes. Our shredders and grinders are frequently integrated with compaction and baling systems to provide full waste management solutions. We also build air evacuation systems and conveyor-fed setups to automate material handling.

Absolutely. We manufacture industrial food grinders and pulping systems that tie into plumbing for sanitary disposal. These are ideal for kitchens, universities, and hospitals aiming to manage organic waste efficiently and cleanly.

We offer comprehensive post-installation services, including operator training, scheduled maintenance plans, replacement parts, and emergency service. Our technicians are trained to support both new installations and legacy systems.

 We’ve been building waste reduction systems for over 65 years, with a focus on customization, durability, and full-service support. We don’t sell boxes—we deliver engineered systems built for long-term success. From design to service, we partner with you every step of the way