We live in a world where electronic devices are everywhere—from the smartphones in our pockets to the computers on our desks, and even the appliances in our homes. But what happens when these devices reach the end of their life? Enter the world of printed circuit board (PCB) recycling, a critical step in tackling electronic waste (e-waste) and recovering valuable materials like gold, silver, and copper. PCBs, the "brains" of most electronics, are packed with both hazardous substances (think lead, mercury, and flame retardants) and precious metals, making proper recycling a must for both environmental protection and resource conservation.
While there are several ways to recycle PCBs, dry process equipment has emerged as a game-changer. Unlike wet processes that rely on chemicals and large amounts of water (which can lead to pollution and high energy use), dry processes use mechanical separation, air classification, and electrostatic sorting to recover metals without generating toxic wastewater. It’s cleaner, more energy-efficient, and increasingly popular in countries like Japan, a global leader in eco-friendly technology.
Japan’s focus on innovation and sustainability has made it a hub for top-tier dry process PCB recycling equipment suppliers. These companies don’t just sell machines—they offer solutions that blend cutting-edge technology with a commitment to reducing environmental impact. Whether you’re a small recycling facility or a large industrial operation, there’s a Japanese supplier ready to meet your needs. Let’s take a closer look at the top 10 players shaping the future of dry process PCB recycling.
1. Nippon Eco-Tech Co., Ltd.
When it comes to reliability and high performance, Nippon Eco-Tech is a name that’s hard to beat. Founded in the early 1990s and based in Tokyo, this company has spent decades perfecting dry process PCB recycling systems. What really sets them apart? Their flagship product: the circuit board recycling plant with dry separator 500-2000kg/hour capacity , known commercially as the WCBD-2000A. This beast of a machine can handle anywhere from 500 to 2,000 kilograms of PCBs per hour, making it ideal for large-scale recycling centers.
The WCBD-2000A uses a two-step separation process: first, a high-speed shredder breaks down the PCBs into small particles, then an advanced air classifier and electrostatic separator work together to separate metals from non-metals. The result? Metal recovery rates of over 95%, with minimal dust and noise. Nippon Eco-Tech also prides itself on durability—their machines are built with wear-resistant materials, reducing maintenance downtime. It’s no wonder they count major electronics manufacturers and recycling plants across Asia, Europe, and North America as clients.
2. Tokyo Recycling Systems Inc.
Not every recycling facility has the space or budget for a massive industrial setup—and that’s where Tokyo Recycling Systems (TRS) shines. This Osaka-based company specializes in compact, user-friendly dry process equipment designed for small to medium-sized operations. Their star product? The compact granulator with dry separator equipment , a space-saving system that packs a punch despite its size.
TRS’s compact granulator is a hit with local recycling centers and small businesses. It measures just 3 meters long and 2 meters wide, making it easy to install even in tight spaces. Don’t let its size fool you, though—it can process 300 to 800 kilograms of PCBs per hour, with metal recovery rates of 90-92%. The system includes a built-in dust collector to keep workspaces clean, and its touchscreen control panel makes operation a breeze, even for staff with limited technical training. TRS also offers flexible financing options, making it easier for small operators to invest in quality equipment.
3. Osaka Dry Process Solutions
Innovation is the name of the game at Osaka Dry Process Solutions (ODPS). This company, founded in 2005, has made a name for itself by integrating cutting-edge materials science into its recycling equipment. One of their most talked-about technologies? The use of nano ceramic ball for ball mill equipment in their PCB grinding systems.
Traditional ball mills use steel balls to grind materials, which can wear down over time and contaminate the recycled particles with iron. ODPS’s nano ceramic balls, made from ultra-hard composite materials, are 50% more durable than steel and don’t leave behind metal residues. This means cleaner grinding, longer equipment life, and higher purity in recovered metals. Their flagship model, the ODPS-1500 Dry Separation Plant, uses these ceramic balls to break down PCBs into uniform particles, then uses a combination of magnetic and electrostatic separation to recover metals. With a capacity of 800-1500 kg/hour and a focus on low maintenance costs, ODPS has quickly become a favorite among tech-savvy recyclers in Japan and beyond.
4. Kyoto Environmental Technologies
Kyoto is known for its commitment to sustainability, and Kyoto Environmental Technologies (KET) lives up to that reputation. This company doesn’t just sell recycling equipment—they sell "green solutions" that prioritize both efficiency and environmental safety. Their dry process PCB systems are designed to meet the strictest global emissions standards, thanks in part to their integrated air pollution control system equipment .
KET’s air pollution control system is a standout feature. It uses a multi-stage filtration process—including cyclone separators, bag filters, and activated carbon adsorbers—to capture over 99% of dust and harmful gases (like volatile organic compounds, or VOCs) generated during PCB processing. This not only keeps workers safe but also ensures compliance with strict EU and Japanese emissions regulations. Their flagship plant, the KET-EcoDry 2000, has a capacity of 500-1800 kg/hour and has been certified by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for its environmental performance. Clients love that they can recycle PCBs without worrying about fines or damage to their reputation.
5. Hokkaido Recycling Machinery
For heavy-duty, industrial-scale PCB recycling, Hokkaido Recycling Machinery (HRM) is the go-to supplier. Based in Sapporo, this company specializes in high-capacity systems designed for large recycling plants and electronic manufacturers with in-house e-waste programs. Their claim to fame? A range of 4 shaft shredder equipment paired with advanced dry separation technology.
HRM’s 4 shaft shredders are built to handle tough, bulky PCBs—think thick boards from old computers and industrial machinery. Unlike single or dual-shaft shredders, the 4 shaft design provides more uniform cutting, reducing the need for reprocessing. When paired with their dry separator, the system can process a whopping 1500 to 2500 kilograms of PCBs per hour. One of their biggest clients is a major Japanese automaker that uses HRM equipment to recycle PCBs from end-of-life vehicles. The automaker reports saving over 30% on raw material costs by recovering copper and aluminum through HRM’s system.
6. Nagoya Eco-Engineering
Every recycling operation is unique, and Nagoya Eco-Engineering (NEE) gets that. This company, based in Nagoya’s tech district, is all about customization. They don’t just sell off-the-shelf machines—they work with clients to design tailor-made dry process solutions that fit their specific needs, whether it’s processing high-value PCBs from medical devices or low-grade boards from consumer electronics.
NEE’s team of engineers starts by conducting a detailed analysis of the client’s input material (PCB type, size, contamination level) and output goals (target metals, purity requirements). From there, they design a system that may include shredders, granulators, air classifiers, or electrostatic separators—all optimized for maximum efficiency. One recent project involved creating a system for a European recycling firm that wanted to recover both metals and fiberglass from PCBs. NEE integrated a specialized air classifier and a secondary screen to separate fiberglass particles, which the client now sells as a raw material for construction products. It’s this kind of flexibility that has made NEE a trusted partner for businesses looking for one-of-a-kind solutions.
7. Fukuoka Dry Tech
Not all recycling happens in big cities—some operations are in rural areas or remote locations where access to large equipment and infrastructure is limited. That’s where Fukuoka Dry Tech (FDT) comes in. This company specializes in portable, low-power dry process PCB recycling systems designed for off-grid or small-scale use.
FDT’s most popular model, the MiniDry-500, is a compact, trailer-mounted unit that can be transported by truck to remote sites. It runs on a standard 220V power supply (no need for industrial wiring) and can process 100 to 500 kilograms of PCBs per hour. The system includes a small shredder, a gravity separator, and a hand-cranked electrostatic sorter for final metal separation—simple, reliable, and easy to maintain. FDT also offers training sessions for operators, ensuring that even teams with minimal experience can get up and running quickly. Their clients include rural recycling cooperatives in Japan and NGOs working on e-waste projects in Southeast Asia and Africa.
8. Hiroshima Recycling Innovations
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries, and PCB recycling is no exception. Hiroshima Recycling Innovations (HRI) is leading the charge with AI-powered dry process systems that optimize separation efficiency and reduce human error.
HRI’s flagship system, the AI-DrySort 1200, uses computer vision and machine learning to "see" and sort PCB particles in real time. Cameras mounted above the conveyor belt capture images of particles, and AI algorithms analyze their size, color, and density to determine if they’re metal or non-metal. The system then adjusts the air flow and electrostatic charge in the separator to target specific particles, boosting recovery rates by 5-10% compared to traditional systems. It can even learn from its mistakes—over time, the AI improves its accuracy as it processes more materials. The AI-DrySort 1200 has a capacity of 500-1200 kg/hour and is popular with high-tech recycling plants that want to stay ahead of the curve.
9. Sendai Green Machines
When it comes to recovering precious metals like gold and silver from PCBs, precision is key. Sendai Green Machines (SGM) has made a name for itself with dry process systems that excel at separating even tiny metal particles from PCB waste. Their secret? Advanced eddy current separation technology, paired with high-speed sorting.
SGM’s eddy current separators use a rotating magnetic field to repel non-ferrous metals (like copper, gold, and aluminum) from the PCB particle stream, sending them into a separate collection bin. This method is so precise that it can recover particles as small as 0.1 millimeters—perfect for capturing the tiny gold traces found in smartphone PCBs. Their top-of-the-line system, the SGM-Precious 800, has a metal recovery rate of 98% for gold and 96% for silver, making it a favorite among recycling plants that specialize in high-value electronics. SGM also offers on-site testing services, where they analyze a client’s PCB samples and tweak the system settings to maximize precious metal recovery.
10. Yokohama Eco-Equipment Co.
Recycling PCBs isn’t just about the separation process—it’s about the entire workflow, from feeding the PCBs into the machine to transporting the recovered materials. Yokohama Eco-Equipment (YEE) understands this, which is why they offer complete, turnkey dry process solutions that include not just separation equipment but also material handling systems.
YEE’s systems often include a plastic pneumatic conveying system equipment to transport non-metal (plastic) particles from the separator to storage bins, reducing the need for manual handling. They also provide custom-designed conveyors, hoppers, and storage silos to streamline the entire recycling line. One of their most popular packages is the YEE-TotalDry 2000, which combines a 500-2000 kg/hour dry separator with a pneumatic conveying system, dust collection, and metal briquetting press (to compact recovered metals for easier transport). This all-in-one approach saves clients time and money by eliminating the need to source and integrate separate components. YEE’s clients include large e-waste recyclers who want a seamless, efficient operation from start to finish.
| Supplier | Core Dry Process Equipment | Capacity (kg/hour) | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nippon Eco-Tech | WCBD-2000A Dry Separator Plant | 500-2000 | High metal recovery (95%+), durable build |
| Tokyo Recycling Systems | Compact Granulator with Dry Separator | 300-800 | Space-saving, user-friendly for small operations |
| Osaka Dry Process Solutions | ODPS-1500 with Nano Ceramic Ball Mill | 800-1500 | Innovative grinding technology, low maintenance |
| Kyoto Environmental Technologies | KET-EcoDry 2000 with Air Pollution Control | 500-1800 | Industry-leading emissions control, ISO certified |
| Hokkaido Recycling Machinery | 4 Shaft Shredder + Dry Separator | 1500-2500 | Heavy-duty, ideal for industrial-scale recycling |
| Nagoya Eco-Engineering | Custom Dry Process Lines | Customizable | Tailor-made solutions for unique needs |
| Fukuoka Dry Tech | MiniDry-500 Portable System | 100-500 | Portable, low-power, perfect for remote sites |
| Hiroshima Recycling Innovations | AI-DrySort 1200 | 500-1200 | AI-powered sorting for higher efficiency |
| Sendai Green Machines | SGM-Precious 800 | 300-800 | Precision recovery of gold/silver (98%+ rates) |
| Yokohama Eco-Equipment | YEE-TotalDry 2000 (with pneumatic conveying) | 500-2000 | Turnkey workflow solutions, seamless integration |
The Future of Dry Process PCB Recycling in Japan
Japan’s dry process PCB recycling equipment suppliers are at the forefront of a global movement to make e-waste recycling cleaner, more efficient, and more profitable. From high-capacity industrial systems to portable units for remote areas, these companies are proving that sustainability and innovation go hand in hand. As e-waste continues to grow (the UN estimates we’ll generate 74 million tons of it by 2030), the demand for reliable dry process equipment will only increase.
So, how do you choose the right supplier? Start by considering your needs: What’s your expected capacity? Do you have space constraints? Are you focused on precious metals or general metal recovery? Do you need to meet specific environmental regulations? Once you have answers to these questions, you can narrow down your options—whether it’s Nippon Eco-Tech for high throughput, Tokyo Recycling Systems for compact design, or Hiroshima Recycling Innovations for AI-powered precision.
One thing’s for sure: with Japan’s top suppliers leading the way, the future of PCB recycling looks bright—for our planet and for the circular economy.
