Top 10 Dry Process PCB Recycling Equipment Suppliers in China: The Definitive Guide

In today’s fast-paced world, electronic waste (e-waste) is piling up faster than ever. From old smartphones to discarded laptops, the circuit boards (PCBs) inside these devices are packed with valuable metals like gold, silver, and copper—along with harmful substances that need careful handling. That’s where dry process PCB recycling equipment comes in. Unlike wet processes that use chemicals, dry methods rely on mechanical separation, air classification, and electrostatic separation to recover metals cleanly and efficiently. If you’re in the market for reliable, high-performance dry process PCB recycling solutions, China is a global hub for top-tier suppliers. In this guide, we’re breaking down the top 10 suppliers you need to know, why they stand out, and how to choose the right one for your needs. Let’s get started!

Why Dry Process PCB Recycling Matters

Before we jump into the suppliers, let’s talk about why dry process equipment is a game-changer. Traditional wet processes often use acids or other chemicals to leach metals from PCBs, which can lead to water pollution and high disposal costs for toxic waste. Dry processes, on the other hand, use physical methods like shredding, grinding, and air separation to separate metals from non-metals (like plastic and resin). This means lower environmental impact, reduced operational costs, and compliance with strict global regulations on hazardous waste. Plus, dry systems are often more energy-efficient and easier to maintain—making them a smart choice for businesses looking to balance profitability with sustainability.

Key advantages of dry process PCB recycling equipment include:

No chemical usage, minimizing environmental risk
High metal recovery rates (often 95% or more for precious metals)
Lower water consumption (critical in water-scarce regions)
Flexible scalability for small to large-scale operations
Compatibility with other recycling systems (like cable or battery recycling lines)

Top 10 Dry Process PCB Recycling Equipment Suppliers in China

1. EcoRecycle Tech Co., Ltd.

EcoRecycle Tech has been a pioneer in dry process PCB recycling since 2008. Based in Zhengzhou, Henan, they’ve built a reputation for innovation and reliability, serving clients in over 60 countries. What sets them apart? Their focus on circuit board recycling plant with dry separator 500-2000kg/hour capacity —a workhorse system designed for mid to large-scale operations.

Core Technology: Their flagship WCBD series dry separator plant combines a pre-shredder, hammer mill, and air classifier to process PCBs into fine particles. The dry separator uses electrostatic separation to split metals from non-metals, with a recovery rate of up to 99% for gold and copper. The system is fully automated, with a user-friendly touchscreen control panel that monitors temperature, airflow, and particle size in real-time.

Clients rave about EcoRecycle’s after-sales support. “We installed their 1000kg/hour plant last year, and the team was on-site for two weeks to train our staff,” says a recycling facility manager in Germany. “Even now, if we have a question, their tech support responds within hours.”

2. GreenCycle Solutions Group

GreenCycle Solutions, headquartered in Shanghai, is all about sustainability—both in their equipment and their business practices. They specialize in compact, energy-efficient dry process systems, making them ideal for small to medium-sized recyclers. Their star product? The compact granulator with dry separator equipment , a space-saving solution that packs a punch.

Core Technology: The compact granulator (model GC-DS-500) combines a granulator and dry separator in one unit, reducing the need for multiple machines. It processes PCBs into 2-5mm granules, then uses air density separation to separate metals from plastics. Despite its small footprint (just 3m x 2m), it can handle 500-800kg/hour—perfect for facilities with limited space. GreenCycle also offers customization: “We had them adjust the air flow settings to handle thicker PCBs from industrial equipment, and it works like a charm,” notes a customer in India.

What’s unique about GreenCycle? They use recycled steel in their machine frames and offset their carbon footprint by planting trees for every unit sold. For eco-conscious buyers, this is a big plus.

3. TechnoWaste Machinery Co.

TechnoWaste Machinery, based in Guangzhou, is known for pushing the boundaries of dry process technology. They invest heavily in R&D, and it shows—their latest dry separator uses AI-powered sensors to optimize metal recovery. If you’re looking for cutting-edge equipment, TechnoWaste is a top contender.

Core Technology: Their AI-DS series dry process plant integrates machine learning algorithms to adapt to different PCB types (e.g., flexible PCBs from phones vs. rigid PCBs from computers). The system uses cameras and near-infrared (NIR) sensors to analyze particle composition, then adjusts airflow and electrostatic charge accordingly. “We tested it with a mix of old and new PCBs, and it maintained a 98% recovery rate without any manual adjustments,” reports a recycling expert in the U.S. The plant also features a built-in dust collection system, ensuring compliance with strict air quality standards.

TechnoWaste’s machines aren’t cheap, but customers say the investment pays off. “The AI system has reduced our labor costs by 40%,” says a facility owner in Australia. “It’s like having a 24/7 quality control expert on-site.”

4. Dragon Machinery Engineering

Dragon Machinery, located in Wuxi, Jiangsu, is a heavyweight in the industry, with over 20 years of experience. They focus on large-scale, high-capacity dry process systems, catering to industrial recyclers and mining companies. Their claim to fame? The circuit board recycling plant wcbd-2000a with dry separator 500-2000kg/hour capacity , a beast of a machine designed for round-the-clock operation.

Core Technology: The WCBD-2000A is a modular system that can be expanded from 500kg/hour to 2000kg/hour by adding extra granulators and separators. It uses a multi-stage separation process: first, a shredder breaks down PCBs into chunks; then, a granulator reduces them to powder; finally, a combination of air classification and electrostatic separation pulls out metals. The system is built to last, with wear-resistant parts made from hardened steel and a 5-year warranty on major components.

“We run our Dragon plant 20 hours a day, 6 days a week, and it’s never let us down,” says a large recycler in Saudi Arabia. “The only maintenance we do is monthly lubrication—everything else just works.”

5. BrightMetal Recycling Equipment

BrightMetal, based in Changsha, Hunan, specializes in high-purity metal recovery. Their dry process systems are engineered to extract even trace amounts of precious metals, making them a favorite among recyclers focused on gold and silver. Their standout offering is a complete circuit board recycling equipment line that integrates with downstream refining machines.

Core Technology: BrightMetal’s BM-DRY series starts with a pre-crusher to remove non-PCB components (like connectors), then a fine grinder that turns PCBs into a powder finer than flour. This powder is fed into an electrostatic separator that uses high voltage to separate metals (conductive) from non-metals (non-conductive). The metal concentrate is then ready for smelting or further refining. What’s impressive? Their separator can distinguish between metals with similar conductivities, like copper and brass, using adjustable voltage settings. “We’ve increased our gold recovery by 12% since switching to BrightMetal,” says a refinery in Canada.

BrightMetal also offers training programs for operators, including courses on metal identification and quality control. For recyclers new to PCB processing, this added value is invaluable.

6. UltraRecycle Machinery Co., Ltd.

UltraRecycle, located in Shenzhen, is all about speed. They design dry process systems for high-throughput operations, where every minute counts. Their claim to fame is the UR-2000 Dry Separation Line, which can process up to 2000kg of PCBs per hour—one of the fastest in the industry.

Core Technology: The UR-2000 uses a dual-shaft shredder to quickly reduce PCBs into 10mm pieces, then a high-speed granulator that spins at 1800 RPM to create uniform particles. The separation stage uses a combination of air classification (to remove light plastics) and magnetic separation (to pull out ferrous metals), followed by electrostatic separation for non-ferrous metals like copper and aluminum. The system is designed for continuous operation, with automatic feeding and discharge conveyors that minimize downtime. “We process over 15 tons of PCBs daily with UltraRecycle’s line,” says a recycling plant manager in Malaysia. “It’s like having a production line, not just a recycling machine.”

UltraRecycle also offers remote monitoring, so operators can check machine status and adjust settings from anywhere via a mobile app—a huge convenience for multi-site operations.

7. CleanTech Solutions Group

CleanTech Solutions, based in Hangzhou, prides itself on “zero-emission” dry process equipment. They’ve developed systems with advanced dust collection and air filtration, making them ideal for regions with strict environmental regulations. Their most popular product is the air pollution control system for li battery recycling plant , but they’ve adapted that same technology for PCB recycling.

Core Technology: CleanTech’s CT-DRY-800 plant includes a multi-stage dust collector that captures 99.9% of particulate matter, along with a HEPA filter to trap fine dust. The system also uses low-noise motors and soundproof enclosures, reducing operating noise to under 75 decibels—quieter than a vacuum cleaner. “We’re located near a residential area, so noise and dust were big concerns,” says a recycler in France. “CleanTech’s system solved both problems—our neighbors haven’t complained once.” The plant itself processes 800kg/hour, with a metal recovery rate of 96%.

CleanTech also offers green financing options, allowing customers to pay in installments with low interest rates—making their eco-friendly equipment more accessible.

8. ProCycle Engineering

ProCycle Engineering, headquartered in Qingdao, Shandong, is a family-owned business with a focus on durability. Their machines are built to withstand harsh conditions, from high humidity to dusty environments, making them popular in emerging markets. Their best-seller is a rugged dry process equipment line designed for off-grid operations.

Core Technology: ProCycle’s PC-DRY-500 is a diesel-powered system that doesn’t require a constant electricity supply—perfect for areas with unreliable power grids. It features a heavy-duty shredder with replaceable blades, a manual override system for jams, and a simple analog control panel that’s easy to operate without technical training. “We installed this in a remote area of Africa, and it’s been running on generator power for two years with minimal issues,” reports an NGO worker. “The local team learned to maintain it in just a week.” Despite its simplicity, the system still achieves a 94% metal recovery rate.

ProCycle also offers spare parts kits at discounted prices, ensuring that customers in remote locations can keep their machines running without long wait times for replacements.

9. SmartRecycle Automation

SmartRecycle Automation, based in Beijing, is at the forefront of Industry 4.0 integration. Their dry process PCB recycling systems are fully connected, with IoT capabilities that allow for predictive maintenance and data analytics. If you’re into smart manufacturing, this is the supplier for you.

Core Technology: SmartRecycle’s SR-AI-DRY plant uses sensors to monitor every component—from bearing temperatures to motor vibration. The data is sent to a cloud platform that analyzes trends and alerts operators to potential issues before they cause downtime. For example, if a bearing starts to overheat, the system sends a notification and suggests scheduling maintenance. “We used to have unplanned shutdowns every few months,” says a recycler in Singapore. “With SmartRecycle’s IoT system, we’ve cut downtime by 80%.” The plant also integrates with ERP software, automatically tracking production metrics like tons processed and metals recovered for accounting and reporting.

SmartRecycle offers a 3-year warranty on their IoT components, giving customers peace of mind that their smart features will last.

10. ReliableMachinery Co., Ltd.

Rounding out our list is ReliableMachinery, a mid-sized supplier in Xiamen, Fujian, that lives up to its name. They focus on affordable, no-frills dry process equipment, making them a great choice for budget-conscious recyclers who don’t want to compromise on quality. Their entry-level circuit board recycling plant with dry separator 500-2000kg/hour capacity is a hit with startups.

Core Technology: ReliableMachinery’s RM-DRY-500 is a basic but effective system: shredder, granulator, air separator, and electrostatic separator. It lacks some of the bells and whistles of pricier models (no touchscreen, limited automation), but it gets the job done. The company keeps costs low by using standardized components and offering fewer customization options, but they don’t skimp on quality—blades are made from high-carbon steel, and the separator is built to the same specs as their premium lines. “We started with a small budget, and ReliableMachinery’s system allowed us to enter the PCB recycling market without breaking the bank,” says a new recycler in Vietnam. “Now that we’re profitable, we’re upgrading to their larger model.”

ReliableMachinery also offers trade-in programs, so customers can upgrade to bigger systems as their business grows—making them a long-term partner for small recyclers.

How to Compare Suppliers: Key Factors to Consider

With so many options, choosing the right supplier can feel overwhelming. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most important factors to keep in mind:

Factor	What to Look For	Why It Matters
Capacity	Matching the machine’s hourly capacity (e.g., 500kg/hour vs. 2000kg/hour) to your expected input volume.	Under-sizing leads to bottlenecks; over-sizing wastes energy and money.
Recovery Rate	Metals recovery percentage (aim for 95%+ for gold/copper).	Higher recovery means more profit from the same amount of e-waste.
Environmental Compliance	Dust collection, noise levels, and energy efficiency ratings.	Avoid fines and build a sustainable brand reputation.
After-Sales Support	Response time for technical issues, availability of spare parts, and training options.	Minimizes downtime and ensures your team can operate the machine safely.
Cost vs. Value	Initial price, maintenance costs, and ROI timeline.	Cheaper machines may cost more in the long run if they break down or have low recovery rates.

Tips for First-Time Buyers

Start small if you’re new: If you’re just entering the PCB recycling market, opt for a mid-capacity system (500-1000kg/hour) to test demand before scaling up.
Ask for references: Reputable suppliers will share contact info for existing customers. Call them to ask about reliability and support.
Visit the factory if possible: Seeing the equipment in person and meeting the team can give you confidence in their manufacturing quality.
Check warranty coverage: Look for at least a 1-year warranty on parts and labor, with extended warranties available for critical components.
Plan for maintenance: Factor in costs for blades, filters, and other wear parts when calculating your budget.

Future Trends in Dry Process PCB Recycling

The dry process PCB recycling industry is evolving fast. Here are a few trends to watch:

AI and Machine Learning: More suppliers are integrating AI to optimize separation and predict maintenance needs, like SmartRecycle’s IoT system.
Modular Design: Systems that can be easily expanded or reconfigured (like Dragon Machinery’s modular line) are becoming popular, allowing recyclers to adapt to changing e-waste streams.
Energy Efficiency: With rising energy costs, suppliers are developing machines that use less power without sacrificing performance—look for models with variable-speed motors and energy recovery systems.
Small-Scale Solutions: As e-waste recycling becomes decentralized, compact machines (like GreenCycle’s compact granulator) are in demand for local recycling centers.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right dry process PCB recycling equipment supplier is a big decision, but it’s also an exciting step toward building a profitable, sustainable business. Whether you’re a small startup or a large industrial recycler, China’s top suppliers offer a range of solutions to fit your needs—from high-tech AI-powered lines to rugged, budget-friendly systems. By focusing on capacity, recovery rate, support, and compliance, you’ll find a partner that helps you turn e-waste into valuable resources for years to come.

Remember, the best supplier isn’t just selling a machine—they’re selling a solution. Take your time, do your research, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. Happy recycling!

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