Birmingham, England, Monday 6th October – McLanahan Corporation enjoyed a successful presence at this year’s Resource & Waste Management Expo (RWM) in Birmingham, UK, held 17-18 September, as the company showcased its latest innovations in aggregates and recycling solutions.
A key highlight of the event was McLanahan’s session on trommel fines, presented by Donal McNicholl, Director of Sales for the UK and Ireland. The presentation explored the challenges and potential solutions surrounding the treatment of trommel fines, sparking strong interest and discussion among attendees.
In addition to the presentation, McLanahan showcased a 3-D model display of one of its construction and demolition (C&D) recycling plants, giving visitors the opportunity to get a closer look at the scale and capabilities of McLanahan’s integrated plant solutions. The model served as a centrepiece for conversations with both new and existing customers, illustrating how McLanahan’s engineering expertise can help operators optimise their processes, reduce waste and drive more sustainable outcomes.
Throughout the exhibition, the McLanahan team engaged with a wide range of industry professionals, from recycling and aggregates producers to local authorities and contractors. The strong interest generated underscored McLanahan’s reputation as a trusted partner in providing innovative, efficient and environmentally responsible solutions across the UK and Europe.
Reflecting on the show’s success, McLanahan reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the industry in navigating upcoming regulatory changes and market challenges, particularly in the areas of C&D recycling and fines processing.
As the company celebrates 190 years of innovation, McLanahan combines long-standing expertise with a future-focused approach to helping customers embrace circular economy practices and achieve long-term growth.
When it comes to managing construction and demolition (C&D) waste effectively, compact crushers like the RubbleCrusher range are increasingly popular. But contractors often face a critical question, should they rent a crusher for temporary needs, or invest in buying one outright? Both approaches carry advantages and drawbacks, and the right choice depends largely on business models, workload, and financial strategy.
Renting a Jobsite Crusher
Renting a crusher has lower upfront costs and flexibility, making it an attractive choice for contractors who only need equipment occasionally or want to trial a machine before committing. However, repeated rental costs can add up over time, often outweighing the cost of ownership if the machine is used regularly. Availability can be limited during busy periods, and hire contracts sometimes impose restrictions on use, such as the types of materials processed.
Renting a compact crusher is probably best suited for contractors handling small-scale or one-off projects, or those testing the market for recycled aggregates.
Buying a Jobsite Crusher
Purchasing a compact crusher such as the RubbleCrusher RC-150T or RC-J65 means owning an asset that can provide value for years. Ownership allows operators full control over usage, maintenance schedules, and resale opportunities. For businesses processing material frequently, buying can quickly become more cost-efficient than renting.
The downside is the higher initial investment and the responsibility for servicing and repairs. Like any equipment, crushers depreciate over time, and businesses must ensure they have the expertise and cashflow to maintain them effectively.
This purchase option is best suited for contractors with regular crushing needs, recycling businesses, or operators looking to reduce tipping and transport costs while generating saleable aggregate on-site.
Opportunities and Threats
Market demand for recycled materials is increasing, driven by tightening landfill regulations and sustainability goals across the UK and Europe (European Commission, 2020). Owning a crusher may even create revenue opportunities through subcontract crushing or material resale. However, businesses must remain mindful of risks, including regulatory changes, fluctuating demand, and advancements in crusher technology. Particularly relevant to the US market is aligning with Sustainable Materials Management (SMM) principles, which can offer further competitive advantage. According to the US EPA, SMM is a lifecycle approach that emphasises using and reusing materials more productively over their entire life cycles, reducing environmental impacts while improving resource efficiency. By adopting SMM-guided strategies, such as prioritising reuse and recycling over disposal, operators can meet emerging regulation and sustainability expectations. Using measurement tools (like the EPA’s Waste Reduction Model) helps to quantify greenhouse gas savings and operational benefit, reinforcing the business case for investing in crusher ownership.
Threats that can affect this decision can be the demand for recycled materials which can fluctuate with economic cycles, impacting utilisation and ROI. Regulatory changes may impose additional costs. Technological advances in crushing, material separation or dewatering may make older machines less competitive. Misalignment with evolving SMM or UK and European environmental policies could expose operators to reputational or compliance risk if waste practices are seen as sub-optimal.
Conclusion
The decision to rent or buy ultimately depends on how often a crusher will be used and the long-term strategy of the business. Renting provides flexibility with low commitment, while buying secures a valuable asset that can pay dividends in the right circumstances.
At RubbleCrusher, we provide robust, compact, and easy-to-transport crushing solutions tailored to both short and long-term needs. Whether you’re considering your first rental or exploring ownership, our team is here to guide you towards the option that maximises value for your operation.