New Waste Shredder Media Release

Markdale, ON (May 12, 2026) – The Municipality of Grey Highlands and the Township of Chatsworth are celebrating the official opening of a new waste shredder at the Holland-Markdale Waste Disposal Site. The jointly funded equipment enhances waste management operations, supports long-term capacity at the site, and underscores the municipalities’ continued commitment to efficient shared services. 

A brief opening event will be held on Wednesday, June 3, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., prior to regularly scheduled Council meetings. Members of both Councils, along with municipal staff, will attend. 

The shredder enables waste to be processed directly on site, significantly reducing the volume of material placed in the landfill. Shredding bulky items improves space efficiency, streamlines operations, and contributes to more sustainable landfill management practices. 

“This equipment significantly improves how the landfill operates day to day,” said Shawn Moyer, Director of Environmental Services for the Municipality of Grey Highlands. “By reducing waste volume and improving how material is managed on site, we are extending the lifespan of the landfill and ensuring reliable, cost-effective service for residents now and into the future.” 

Mayor Paul McQueen emphasized the value of the intermunicipal partnership that made the project possible. “This investment reflects a strong collaborative effort between Grey Highlands and Chatsworth,” said Mayor McQueen. “By working together, we are able to make smart, forward-looking decisions that strengthen services and demonstrate our shared commitment to the communities we serve.” 

Mayor Scott Mackey highlighted the benefits of the new equipment and the partnership behind it. He shared, “This is an exciting upgrade that will help reduce costs at the Holland-Markdale Waste Diversion Site by improving operational efficiency and reducing cleanup, maintenance, and staff time. We value our ongoing collaboration with Grey Highlands and appreciate the efforts of Public Works staff, the Joint Waste Board, and everyone involved in the equipment demonstration and evaluation process. This investment modernizes our waste management system in a cost-effective way while supporting sustainability, growth, and continued collaboration.” 

The event is open to residents, invited guests, and media. Please note that no residential waste will be accepted during the event, as the Holland-Markdale Waste Disposal Site is not open to the public on Wednesdays. 

The waste shredder was jointly purchased and will continue to be operated through the collaborative management of the Holland–Markdale Waste Disposal Site by Grey Highlands and Chatsworth. 

For more information, contact: 

Kathryn Connors 

communications@greyhighlands.ca 

Corporate Communications 

Municipality of Grey Highlands 

Greyhighlands.ca