In today’s fast-paced world, electronic waste (e-waste) has become one of the fastest-growing waste streams globally. Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs), found in nearly every electronic device from smartphones to industrial machinery, are packed with valuable metals like gold, silver, copper, and palladium—making their recycling not just an environmental necessity but also an economic opportunity. Dry process PCB recycling, which avoids the use of water and harmful chemicals, has emerged as a sustainable alternative to traditional wet methods, aligning with Europe’s strict环保 (environmental protection) standards. France, a leader in green technology and circular economy initiatives, is home to some of the most innovative suppliers of dry process PCB recycling equipment. Let’s dive into the top 10 players shaping this industry, exploring their unique offerings, technological strengths, and how they’re driving the future of e-waste recycling.
1. EcoTech Solutions: The Pioneer of High-Capacity Dry Separation
Founded in Lyon in 2005, EcoTech Solutions has spent nearly two decades perfecting dry process PCB recycling systems. What sets them apart is their focus on high-capacity processing without compromising on precision. Their flagship product, the circuit board recycling plant WCBD-2000A , is a game-changer for large-scale facilities. Equipped with a dry separator, this system handles 500 to 2000 kg of PCBs per hour—enough to process the e-waste from a small city in a single day. “We designed the WCBD-2000A to tackle the biggest challenge recyclers face: balancing speed and purity,” explains Marie Dubois, EcoTech’s lead engineer. “The dry separator uses air classification and electrostatic separation to separate metals from non-metals, achieving up to 99% purity for copper and 95% for gold—numbers that were unheard of in dry processing a decade ago.”
EcoTech doesn’t stop at large plants, though. They’ve also developed the compact granulator with dry separator equipment , a smaller, modular system ideal for small to medium recyclers or businesses looking to process their own e-waste on-site. “A local electronics repair shop in Marseille recently installed our compact granulator,” Dubois shares. “They now recycle defective PCBs from their repairs, turning waste into a secondary income stream while reducing their carbon footprint. It’s exactly the kind of circular economy model we want to support.” With clients across Europe and as far as Canada, EcoTech’s commitment to innovation and reliability has earned them a spot at the top of France’s dry process PCB equipment scene.
2. GreenCycle Industries: Where Mobility Meets Efficiency
Based in Toulouse, GreenCycle Industries has carved a niche for itself with portable and semi-portable dry process solutions . For recyclers who need flexibility—whether processing e-waste at multiple locations or working in remote areas—GreenCycle’s equipment is a game-changer. Their star product, the portable briquetting machine PHBM-004 , might not be a PCB recycler on its own, but it’s an essential companion. “After shredding and separating PCBs, you’re left with metal fines—small, powdery metal particles that are hard to transport or sell,” says Jean-Pierre Lambert, GreenCycle’s sales director. “Our PHBM-004 compresses these fines into dense briquettes, reducing volume by 70% and making them easy to ship to smelters. It’s lightweight, runs on standard 220V power, and can be loaded onto a pickup truck—perfect for on-site processing.”
But GreenCycle’s main PCB recycling offering is their dry process mini-plant , a scaled-down version of industrial systems that fits in a 40-foot container. “We worked with a recycling cooperative in Brittany that didn’t have space for a full-sized plant,” Lambert recalls. “Our mini-plant processes 200-300 kg/hour, uses 30% less energy than comparable systems, and still achieves 98% metal recovery. They’re now processing 5 tons of PCBs monthly, up from 1 ton before—all without water or chemicals.” GreenCycle’s focus on accessibility and practicality has made them a favorite among small to medium recyclers and community-led initiatives, proving that sustainability doesn’t have to require massive infrastructure.
3. CleanTech Systems: Innovating for Small-Scale Recyclers
While many suppliers target large facilities, CleanTech Systems, based in Grenoble, has made a name for itself by serving small to medium-sized recyclers and startups . “When we started in 2012, we noticed a gap: most dry process equipment was too big or too expensive for new entrants,” says CEO Sophie Laurent. “We set out to build affordable, user-friendly systems that let small recyclers compete.” Their best-seller, the dry process PCB recycler CTS-500 , is a compact unit designed for businesses processing 100-500 kg of PCBs daily. It combines shredding, granulating, and dry separation in one machine, with a footprint smaller than a parking spot. “A family-run recycler in Lyon bought the CTS-500 last year,” Laurent shares. “They previously sent PCBs to a larger facility, paying €500/ton in processing fees. Now, they process in-house, recover metals worth €1,200/ton, and have grown their business by 40% in a year.”
CleanTech also prioritizes ease of use . Their systems come with touchscreen controls, automated maintenance alerts, and remote troubleshooting via tablet—no need for specialized technicians. “We train operators in just two days,” Laurent adds. “One client, a former carpenter with no recycling experience, now runs their CTS-500 flawlessly. That’s the power of making technology accessible.” With a 95% customer retention rate and a growing network of service centers across France, CleanTech is proving that small-scale recycling can be both profitable and sustainable.
4. RecycleMax Engineering: Masters of Modular Design
Strasbourg-based RecycleMax Engineering believes in modularity —building systems that grow with your business. “Recyclers rarely start with maximum capacity,” explains technical director Pierre Rousseau. “They might begin with 200 kg/hour, then scale to 500, then 1000. Buying a new system each time is wasteful. Our modular dry process lines let you add components as you grow.” Their core offering is the RecycleMax Modular Series , which starts with a single-shaft shredder (for breaking down PCBs into small pieces) and can add granulators, dry separators, and even air pollution control systems as needed. “A recycling plant in Bordeaux started with our base module in 2018,” Rousseau says. “By 2023, they’d added a second granulator and a high-speed separator, boosting capacity from 200 to 1200 kg/hour—all without replacing the original shredder. That’s a 6x increase in output with a fraction of the cost of a new system.”
RecycleMax also excels in customization . “One client needed to process PCBs with unusual components, like thick ceramic substrates,” Rousseau notes. “We modified their separator’s air flow and added a secondary screening step, solving their problem in six weeks. Customization isn’t an afterthought for us—it’s our business model.” With clients in 12 European countries and a reputation for durability (their systems average 15+ years of operation), RecycleMax is a go-to for recyclers planning for long-term growth.
5. DryCycle Systems: Blending Speed and Sustainability
Lille’s DryCycle Systems has built its brand around one promise: fast processing without sacrificing the environment . Their latest innovation, the DryCycle Pro 2000 , is a dry process PCB recycling line that handles 2000 kg/hour—matching the speed of some wet processes—while using 60% less energy and zero water. “The secret is in the dual-stage separation,” says chief technology officer Thomas Moreau. “First, we use air classification to remove light plastics and resins. Then, electrostatic separation to pull out metals. The combination lets us process faster without losing purity.” DryCycle’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond water savings: their systems are made with 30% recycled steel, and they offer a “take-back” program for old equipment, ensuring even the machines themselves are recycled.
“A major e-waste recycler in Paris switched to the DryCycle Pro 2000 last year,” Moreau reports. “They reduced their water bill to zero, cut energy costs by €40,000 annually, and still meet the EU’s strict metal purity standards for resale. Plus, their carbon footprint dropped by 25%—a win for their bottom line and the planet.” With certifications from the EU’s CE and ISO 14001, DryCycle is a top choice for large recyclers looking to green their operations without slowing down.
6. ProRecycler Technologies: Specializing in Complex PCB Streams
Not all PCBs are created equal. Industrial PCBs from servers, medical equipment, or military hardware often have thicker boards, more complex components, or higher heat-resistant materials—challenges that standard dry process equipment struggles with. Enter ProRecycler Technologies, a Paris-based supplier that specializes in tough, industrial-grade PCBs . “We designed our systems to handle the ‘difficult’ stuff,” says founder Jacques Petit. “Take our ProShred 4000 shredder: it uses 4 shafts with hardened steel blades to break down thick PCBs that would jam single-shaft shredders. Then, our ProSep 3000 dry separator uses magnetic and electrostatic separation to handle mixed metals—like separating copper from nickel-chrome alloys, which many systems can’t do.”
ProRecycler’s clients include defense contractors, industrial manufacturers, and specialized e-waste recyclers. “A military surplus recycler in Toulon came to us with PCBs from old radar systems,” Petit recalls. “These boards had layers of fiberglass and heavy copper, which standard equipment couldn’t process. Our ProShred 4000 shredded them in seconds, and the ProSep 3000 recovered 98% of the copper. They now process 10 tons/month of these ‘unrecyclable’ PCBs, turning a liability into a profit center.” With a focus on solving unique recycling challenges, ProRecycler has become the supplier of choice for industries with specialized e-waste needs.
7. GreenMech France: Small Machines, Big Impact
For recyclers with limited space or budget, GreenMech France, based in Nantes, offers entry-level dry process equipment that doesn’t skimp on quality. Their best-selling GreenMech Mini-Shred & Separate is a tabletop system that processes 10-20 kg of PCBs per hour—perfect for small workshops, schools, or community recycling hubs. “We wanted to make recycling accessible to everyone,” says product manager Claire Dubois. “The Mini-Shred is affordable (under €15,000), easy to set up, and safe to use—we’ve even sold it to a technical high school in Rennes, where students learn about e-waste recycling hands-on.”
Despite its small size, the Mini-Shred delivers impressive results: up to 95% metal recovery, with separated fractions ready for resale. “A small electronics recycler in Bordeaux uses three Mini-Shreds in a row,” Dubois notes. “They process 60 kg/hour total, which meets their needs without the cost of a larger system. And because it’s dry, they don’t need to worry about wastewater permits or chemical storage—huge advantages for small businesses.” GreenMech also offers training workshops and online support, ensuring even first-time recyclers can get started with confidence. In a market dominated by large systems, GreenMech proves that small can still be powerful.
8. Advanced Dry Recycling (ADR): The Automation Experts
Lyon-based Advanced Dry Recycling (ADR) is redefining the industry with fully automated dry process systems . Their ADR AutoLine 5000 is a “lights-out” recycling line—once loaded, it can run 24/7 with minimal human oversight, using AI-powered sensors to adjust separation settings in real time. “Traditional systems require operators to monitor and tweak settings as PCB composition changes,” explains ADR’s automation specialist, Nicolas Fournier. “Our AI learns from each batch, optimizing air flow, speed, and separation to maintain purity, even when processing mixed PCB types. A recycler in Marseille saw a 20% increase in metal recovery and a 30% ｄｒｏｐ in labor costs after installing the AutoLine.”
ADR’s automation doesn’t stop at processing: their systems integrate with recycling management software, tracking metrics like tons processed, metal recovered, and energy used—data that helps recyclers optimize their operations and meet regulatory reporting requirements. “A client in Strasbourg used our software to identify that 15% of their PCBs were low-value, allowing them to renegotiate collection contracts and boost profits by €80,000/year,” Fournier shares. With a client list that includes some of Europe’s largest e-waste recyclers, ADR is leading the charge toward the future of automated, data-driven recycling.
9. EcoShred France: Focused on Safety and Compliance
When it comes to e-waste recycling, safety and regulatory compliance are non-negotiable—and that’s where EcoShred France, based in Nice, shines. Their dry process PCB systems are built to meet the strictest EU safety standards, including dust control, fire prevention, and worker protection . “PCBs can contain hazardous materials like lead or brominated flame retardants,” says safety director Elise Martin. “Our systems include HEPA filters to capture dust, inert gas fire suppression, and emergency stop systems with redundant sensors—features that protect workers and keep recyclers on the right side of regulations.”
EcoShred’s commitment to compliance extends to documentation, too. “We provide full CE certification, safety manuals in 10 languages, and training programs that meet OSHA and EU-OSHA standards,” Martin adds. “A recycler in Monaco, which has some of the strictest safety laws in Europe, chose us because we could guarantee compliance with every local regulation. They’ve never had a safety violation or audit issue in five years of operation.” For recyclers operating in highly regulated industries or regions, EcoShred offers peace of mind that’s worth every euro.
10. DryMech Solutions: The All-in-One Service Provider
Rounding out our list is DryMech Solutions, a Marseille-based supplier that goes beyond equipment to offer end-to-end recycling solutions . “Many recyclers struggle with more than just processing—they need help with setup, training, maintenance, and even finding buyers for recovered metals,” says founder Paul Renard. “We handle it all: we design the system, install it, train your team, provide 24/7 maintenance, and connect you with our network of metal refineries and buyers. It’s a turnkey solution.” DryMech’s equipment lineup includes the DryMech CompleteLine , a customizable dry process system that integrates shredding, granulating, separation, and metal briquetting—everything a recycler needs to turn PCBs into sellable metal fractions.
“A startup recycler in Toulouse came to us with no industry experience,” Renard recalls. “We installed a CompleteLine, trained their three employees, and introduced them to a refinery in Belgium that buys their copper and gold. Within six months, they were profitable. That’s the power of our full-service model.” With a 98% client satisfaction rate and a reputation for going the extra mile, DryMech is the ideal partner for new recyclers or businesses looking to outsource the complexity of equipment management.
| Supplier Name | Key Equipment | Capacity Range (kg/hour) | Specialty | Target Clients |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EcoTech Solutions | WCBD-2000A (dry separator), compact granulator | 500-2000 | High-capacity dry separation, purity (95-99%) | Large-scale recyclers, industrial facilities |
| GreenCycle Industries | Portable briquetting machine PHBM-004, mini dry plant | 100-500 | Portable/modular systems, on-site processing | Small recyclers, mobile operations |
| CleanTech Systems | CTS-500 compact recycler | 100-500 | Affordable, user-friendly systems for startups | Small/medium recyclers, community initiatives |
| RecycleMax Engineering | Modular Series (shredders, separators, air pollution control) | 200-1200 (scalable) | Modular design, long-term growth planning | Recyclers planning to scale operations |
| DryCycle Systems | DryCycle Pro 2000 | 2000 | High-speed processing, energy/water efficiency | Large recyclers prioritizing sustainability |
| ProRecycler Technologies | ProShred 4000, ProSep 3000 | 500-1000 | Tough industrial PCBs, mixed metal separation | Defense, manufacturing, specialized recyclers |
| GreenMech France | Mini-Shred & Separate | 10-20 (per unit) | Entry-level, small-scale systems | Small workshops, schools, community hubs |
| Advanced Dry Recycling (ADR) | AutoLine 5000 (AI-automated) | 1500-3000 | Fully automated, data-driven processing | Large-scale, high-volume recyclers |
| EcoShred France | SafeShred Series (dust control, fire suppression) | 500-1500 | Safety compliance, hazardous material handling | Regulated industries, high-safety regions |
| DryMech Solutions | CompleteLine (shredding to briquetting) | 500-1000 | End-to-end service (equipment + support) | New recyclers, turnkey operations |
The Future of Dry Process PCB Recycling in France
France’s dry process PCB recycling equipment suppliers are more than just manufacturers—they’re pioneers of the circular economy. From high-capacity plants processing tons of e-waste daily to compact systems empowering small businesses, these companies are proving that sustainable recycling can be efficient, profitable, and accessible to all. As e-waste continues to grow—estimated to reach 74 million tons globally by 2030—the demand for innovative dry process solutions will only increase. France’s focus on green technology, strict environmental regulations, and commitment to the circular economy positions it as a global leader in this space.
Whether you’re a large recycler looking to scale, a startup entering the industry, or a business wanting to process your own e-waste, there’s a French supplier tailored to your needs. The key is to prioritize your goals: capacity, budget, space, compliance, or automation. With the right equipment and partner, PCB recycling isn’t just a way to reduce waste—it’s a pathway to a more sustainable, resource-efficient future. And in that future, France’s dry process innovators will undoubtedly play a starring role.
