Top 10 Dry Process PCB Recycling Equipment Manufacturers Ranked for Quality and Innovation

When it comes to dry process PCB recycling, EcoRecycle Tech Industries has been a household name for over two decades. Founded in 2001, this US-based company started small but quickly rose to the top by focusing on one thing: making dry separation efficient and accessible. What sets them apart? Their patented compact granulator with dry separator equipment —a machine that combines shredding, granulating, and air classification into a single, space-saving unit. Imagine a system that takes whole PCBs, breaks them down into tiny particles, and then uses precise airflow to separate copper, gold, and plastic—all without a ｄｒｏｐ of water. That’s exactly what their CGDS-5000 model does, and it’s a hit with small to mid-sized recycling plants.

But EcoRecycle doesn’t stop at granulators. They’re also pioneers in air pollution control system equipment , a must-have for any dry process operation. Grinding and shredding PCBs release fine dust and fumes, which can be harmful if not filtered. Their APCS-3000 system uses multi-stage filtration—HEPA filters, activated carbon, and cyclone separators—to capture 99.7% of airborne particles, making their equipment compliant with the strictest EPA and EU air quality standards. Customers rave about how easy it is to maintain: “We’ve had our EcoRecycle system for three years, and the air filters only need changing every six months,” says Maria Gonzalez, operations manager at GreenWaste Recycling in Texas. “That’s saved us so much time and money compared to our old wet process setup.”

Innovation-wise, EcoRecycle’s latest breakthrough is their AI-powered dry separator. Launched in 2024, the SmartSort AI uses computer vision and machine learning to adjust airflow and vibration in real-time, ensuring higher metal recovery rates (up to 98.5% for copper) even with mixed PCB types. It’s like having a trained operator inside the machine, making split-second decisions to optimize separation. For quality, they back every machine with a 5-year warranty and 24/7 technical support—something you don’t see from many competitors. It’s no wonder they’ve earned a 4.8/5 rating on industry review sites.

Based in Germany, GreenCycle Innovations is all about precision engineering. If EcoRecycle is the “accessible innovator,” GreenCycle is the “luxury brand” of dry process equipment—known for machines that last decades and deliver pinpoint accuracy. Their claim to fame? The DryMaster Series, which includes the DryMaster 2000, a full-scale PCB recycling line designed for large facilities processing 1-2 tons of PCBs per hour. At the heart of this line is their single shaft shredder equipment , a beast of a machine with hardened steel blades that can tear through PCBs, capacitors, and even solder without dulling for months. Unlike flimsy shredders that jam easily, GreenCycle’s single shaft design uses a slow, powerful rotation (15-20 RPM) to crush PCBs into uniform particles, making downstream separation much more effective.

But what really makes GreenCycle stand out is their attention to detail in dry separation. Their DrySep 3000 separator uses electrostatic separation alongside air classification—meaning it not only separates metals by density but also by electrical conductivity. This is a game-changer for recovering tiny gold and silver particles that often get lost in traditional air separators. “We used to lose about 15% of gold in the plastic fraction with our old equipment,” says Hans Mueller, CEO of EuroE-Waste in Berlin. “With GreenCycle’s DrySep, that loss is down to 2%. The difference in profits has been massive.”

Innovation isn’t just about new machines for GreenCycle—it’s about sustainability in manufacturing, too. All their equipment is made from recycled steel, and their factories run on 100% renewable energy. They also offer a “Take Back” program, where old machines are refurbished or recycled, keeping them out of landfills. For quality, every component is tested to withstand 10,000 hours of operation before leaving the factory, and they offer on-site training for operators to ensure maximum efficiency. It’s this commitment to both performance and planet that lands them at number 2.

AsiaGreen Recycling Systems, headquartered in China, is proof that “affordable” doesn’t have to mean “low quality.” Founded in 2008, this company has quickly become a global leader by focusing on high-volume, cost-effective dry process solutions—perfect for emerging markets where budget is a top concern. Their star product? The AG-PCB 2000 Dry Line, which combines a single shaft shredder equipment (similar to GreenCycle’s but at a fraction of the price), a granulator, and a dry air separator into a turnkey system that can process 500-2000 kg of PCBs per hour. What’s their secret? They’ve simplified the design without cutting corners on critical components. The shredder blades, for example, are made from the same hardened steel as premium brands, but they use standardized parts to keep costs down.

AsiaGreen also excels in adaptability. Many recycling plants handle more than just PCBs—they might process cables, motors, or plastic scrap too. AsiaGreen’s dry process equipment is modular, meaning you can add or remove components (like a secondary granulator or extra air separator) as your needs change. “We started with just the basic AG-PCB line, processing 500 kg/hour,” says Raj Patel, owner of EcoTech Recycling in India. “A year later, we added the optional metal briquetter, and now we can also process scrap copper from cables. AsiaGreen helped us reconfigure the system in a week—no downtime, no hassle.”

Innovation here is about making technology accessible. In 2023, they launched their “GreenStart” program, which offers small businesses low-interest financing and free training to switch from wet to dry processes. They also offer 24/7 support via video call, with technicians who speak 12 languages—critical for global customers. Quality-wise, they offer a 3-year warranty and stock replacement parts in warehouses worldwide, so you’re never waiting months for a new shredder blade. For性价比 (value for money), AsiaGreen is hard to beat.

EuroEco Machinery Group, based in Italy, is all about heritage and innovation colliding. With roots dating back to 1975 as a metalworking shop, they pivoted to PCB recycling in the 2010s and haven’t looked back. What makes them unique? They specialize in dry process equipment that’s built for extreme durability—think machines that can run 24/7 in harsh environments, like African mining towns or Southeast Asian industrial zones. Their flagship model, the EuroDry X7, is a rugged dry separation system that uses vibration, magnetic separation, and air classification to recover metals from PCBs, even when the input material is dirty or mixed with other waste.

One of EuroEco’s most innovative features is their “DustMaster” integrated dust collection system, a built-in air pollution control system equipment that’s compact enough to fit on the back of their granulators. Unlike standalone pollution control units, the DustMaster is designed to work in sync with the granulator, adjusting suction power as the material feed rate changes. This not only saves space but also reduces energy use by up to 30% compared to separate systems. “Our plant is in a small industrial park, so space is tight,” says Carlos Mendez, plant manager at ReciclaTech in Brazil. “The EuroDry X7 with DustMaster takes up half the space of our old setup, and our electricity bill is 25% lower. It’s a win-win.”

EuroEco also prides itself on customization. No two recycling plants are the same, so they work closely with customers to design systems tailored to their specific needs. Want a dry process line that can handle CRT glass (from old TVs) alongside PCBs? They’ll build it. Need a system that fits through a narrow factory door? They’ll modify the dimensions. This customer-centric approach has earned them a loyal following, with 85% of their business coming from repeat customers or referrals. For quality, they test every machine for 100 hours under full load before shipping, and their technicians often stay on-site for the first month of operation to ensure everything runs smoothly.

CleanTech Solutions Japan is where precision meets sustainability. This Japanese manufacturer is known for its ultra-efficient dry process equipment, designed to minimize energy use while maximizing metal recovery. Their claim to fame is the EcoDry 3000, a dry separation system that uses ultrasonic vibration to separate metal and non-metal particles—a technology borrowed from the semiconductor industry. Traditional air separators rely on gravity and airflow, which can struggle with very small particles (less than 0.5mm). The EcoDry 3000’s ultrasonic vibrators create high-frequency waves that “float” lighter plastic particles while heavier metals settle, allowing for recovery of even micro-sized gold and silver flakes.

But CleanTech doesn’t stop at separation. They’ve also revolutionized pre-processing with their 2 shaft shredder equipment , a machine that uses two interlocking shafts with offset blades to “chew” through PCBs, breaking them down into uniform granules without generating excessive dust. Unlike single shaft shredders, which can get stuck on thick PCB frames, the 2-shaft design provides a more consistent feed to the granulator, reducing jams and downtime. “We process a lot of old computer motherboards, which have thick fiberglass frames,” says Yuki Tanaka, operations director at Tokyo E-Recycle. “Our CleanTech 2-shaft shredder hasn’t jammed once in two years. It’s like a tank.”

Innovation here is about the environment, too. CleanTech’s equipment is designed to be energy-efficient—their EcoDry 3000 uses 40% less electricity than comparable systems—and they’re committed to carbon neutrality. In 2024, they announced that all their factories will be powered by solar energy by 2026, and they’re offsetting current emissions by investing in reforestation projects. For quality, they’re certified by ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, and their machines are rigorously tested for durability in Japan’s harsh climate (think high humidity and earthquakes). If you’re looking for precision and eco-friendliness, CleanTech is the way to go.

GlobalRecycle Dynamics, with headquarters in the UK and factories in Poland, is a rising star in the dry process PCB recycling world. Founded in 2015, they’ve made a name for themselves by focusing on cutting-edge automation. Their flagship product, the AutoDry Line, is a fully automated dry process system that can run 24/7 with minimal human intervention. From loading PCBs into the feeder to bagging the final metal concentrate, everything is controlled by a touchscreen interface and sensors that monitor feed rate, particle size, and metal purity in real-time.

What makes GRD stand out is their integration of air pollution control system equipment directly into the automation system. The AutoDry Line’s APCS is linked to the shredder and granulator, adjusting fan speed and filter cleaning cycles based on dust levels. If dust concentration spikes, the system automatically slows the feed rate and increases suction—preventing emissions before they happen. “We used to have to manually adjust our old pollution control system, which meant constant monitoring,” says James Wilson, plant manager at RecycleUK in Manchester. “With GRD’s AutoDry Line, we set it and forget it. The system alerts us if there’s an issue, but otherwise, it runs itself. We’ve cut labor costs by 30%.”

GRD is also big on data. Their machines come with built-in IoT sensors that track performance metrics—metal recovery rates, energy use, maintenance needs—and send reports to a cloud dashboard. This allows managers to spot trends, like lower recovery on Mondays (when PCBs are dirtier) or higher energy use in the afternoon, and adjust operations accordingly. For small to large plants alike, this data-driven approach is a game-changer. Quality-wise, GRD uses European-made components and offers a 4-year warranty, with spare parts available in 48 hours across Europe.

BrazilRecycler Equipment is a Latin American success story, proving that innovation can thrive outside of traditional tech hubs. Founded in 2010 by a group of mechanical engineers, this Brazilian company started by modifying agricultural machinery for recycling use, but quickly shifted focus to dry process PCB equipment. Their star product is the DryMax 1500, a compact dry process line designed for small recycling businesses (processing 100-500 kg/hour) that can’t afford large, expensive systems. What makes the DryMax 1500 special? It’s portable—mounted on a skid with wheels, so it can be moved around a factory or even transported to different sites. This is a huge plus for mobile recycling operations or small plants with limited space.

BrazilRecycler also excels in dry process equipment that’s easy to use. Many small recyclers don’t have specialized technicians, so the DryMax 1500 comes with a simple, icon-based control panel and a quick-start guide in 5 languages. “I’m not a tech guy, but I had the DryMax up and running in an hour,” says Juan Fernandez, owner of a small recycling shop in Argentina. “The manual has pictures, not just text, and the support team even called me the next day to check if everything was working. That’s the kind of service you don’t get from big companies.”

Innovation here is about affordability and accessibility. BrazilRecycler uses locally sourced components where possible to keep costs down, and they offer flexible payment plans—critical for small businesses in developing countries. They’ve also developed a mobile app that allows customers to order spare parts, schedule maintenance, and watch tutorial videos—all in one place. For quality, they test each machine for 50 hours before shipping and offer a 2-year warranty, with a network of local service partners across Latin America to ensure quick repairs.

Middle East Recycling Technologies (MERT) is the go-to manufacturer for harsh environments. Based in the UAE, this company designs dry process PCB equipment to withstand extreme heat, dust, and humidity—common challenges in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. Their flagship product, the DesertDry 5000, is a dry process line with enclosed components and dust-tight seals to prevent sand and moisture from damaging the machinery. The shredder and granulator motors are also oversized, with extra cooling fans to handle high ambient temperatures (up to 50°C), ensuring reliable operation even in desert climates.

MERT also understands the unique needs of the region, where many recycling plants are located far from urban centers. That’s why their air pollution control system equipment is designed to be low-maintenance, with washable filters that can be cleaned with water (no need for expensive replacement filters) and simple, mechanical controls that don’t rely on complex electronics. “We’re in a remote area in Saudi Arabia, and getting replacement filters used to take weeks,” says Ahmed Al-Mansoori, plant manager at Desert Recycling Co. “MERT’s APCS uses metal mesh filters that we can hose off and reuse. It’s saved us so much time and money.”

Innovation for MERT means adaptability. They’ve recently launched a solar-powered version of the DesertDry 5000, perfect for off-grid recycling plants. The system includes solar panels, a battery storage unit, and an inverter, allowing it to run entirely on renewable energy. For quality, MERT offers a 5-year warranty on all structural components (shredder frames, granulator housings) and a 3-year warranty on motors and electronics—testament to their confidence in the durability of their equipment.

AfricaEco Solutions is on a mission to make dry process PCB recycling accessible across Africa. Founded in South Africa in 2012, this social enterprise combines business with environmental impact, using profits to fund e-waste education programs in rural communities. Their core product is the EcoMini Dry, a small-scale dry process system designed for community recycling centers and small businesses, capable of processing 50-100 kg of PCBs per hour. Priced at under $50,000, it’s one of the most affordable dry process systems on the market, making it ideal for entrepreneurs in low-income areas.

What makes the EcoMini Dry unique is its simplicity. It has only three main components: a small single shaft shredder equipment , a manual granulator (hand-cranked for power outages), and a gravity-based dry separator. No complex electronics, no fancy sensors—just reliable, mechanical operation. “We have frequent power cuts here in Kenya, but the EcoMini Dry still works with the hand crank,” says Jane Wanjiku, founder of GreenHands Recycling in Nairobi. “It’s not the fastest, but it’s steady, and we’re recovering enough copper and gold to support our community center.”

AfricaEco also offers training and technical support as part of their package. When you buy an EcoMini Dry, you get a week of on-site training for 2-3 operators, covering everything from machine setup to metal sorting. They also partner with local NGOs to provide microloans to women and youth interested in starting recycling businesses, helping to create jobs and reduce e-waste in the region. For quality, the EcoMini Dry is built with heavy-duty steel and comes with a 2-year warranty, with spare parts available at local distribution centers in Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya.

Rounding out our list is Australian Recycling Innovations (ARI), a company that’s making waves with its focus on circular economy principles. ARI doesn’t just sell equipment—they offer full “recycling ecosystems,” including dry process PCB systems, metal refining equipment, and even plastic pelletizing machines, so customers can turn e-waste into sellable products (like copper ingots or plastic pellets) on-site. Their star dry process product is the CircularDry Line, which integrates a compact granulator with dry separator equipment , a metal briquetter, and a plastic densifier into a single system that turns PCBs into two valuable outputs: metal briquettes and plastic pellets.

ARI’s innovation is in closing the loop. Their dry separator not only recovers metals but also sorts plastic by type (ABS, polycarbonate, etc.), which can then be densified into pellets and sold to plastic manufacturers. “We used to send plastic waste to landfills,” says David Chen, owner of Melbourne E-Recycle. “With ARI’s CircularDry Line, we now sell 90% of our plastic pellets to a local injection molding company. It’s added a whole new revenue stream for us.”

Quality is a top priority for ARI. All their equipment is designed to be modular and easy to upgrade, so customers can start small and add components as their business grows. They also offer a “take-back” program for end-of-life machines, ensuring they’re recycled or refurbished instead of discarded. For support, they have a team of local technicians across Australia and New Zealand, providing same-day service for most issues. It’s this focus on sustainability and long-term partnerships that earns them a spot in our top 10.

RussiaRecycle Machinery rounds out our list with its rugged, high-capacity dry process equipment. Specializing in large-scale recycling plants (processing 2-5 tons of PCBs per hour), this Russian manufacturer is known for its 4-shaft shredders and heavy-duty dry separators, designed to handle the toughest e-waste. Their flagship product, the MegaDry 10000, is a monster of a system that can process whole circuit boards, including those with heavy components like transformers and heat sinks, without pre-sorting.

The key to the MegaDry 10000’s success is its 4 shaft shredder equipment , which uses four interlocking shafts with hardened steel blades to pulverize even the thickest PCBs into fine granules. This pre-processing step ensures that the subsequent dry separator can achieve high metal recovery rates (up to 98% for copper and 95% for gold). “We process over 10 tons of e-waste daily, and the MegaDry 10000 handles it without breaking a sweat,” says Ivan Petrov, plant manager at Moscow E-Waste Recycling. “The 4-shaft shredder is a workhorse—we’ve had it for four years, and we’ve only replaced the blades twice.”

RussiaRecycle also offers excellent after-sales support, with a team of engineers who travel globally to install and maintain equipment. They’re also investing heavily in R&D, with plans to launch a laser-based dry separator in 2025, which will use laser spectroscopy to identify and separate different metals in real-time. For large-scale operations that need reliability and raw power, RussiaRecycle Machinery is a top choice.