Navigating the best partners for efficient, eco-friendly circuit board recycling—because your e-waste deserves a second life, and the planet deserves better.
If you’ve ever taken apart an old computer or smartphone, you’ve seen them: those green (or sometimes blue) circuit boards crammed with chips, wires, and tiny components. They’re the brains of our devices, but when those devices die, they become a problem—unless we recycle them right. Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) are loaded with valuable metals like gold, silver, and copper, not to mention harmful substances like lead and mercury. That’s where dry process PCB recycling equipment comes in. Unlike wet processes that use harsh chemicals and generate toxic wastewater, dry processes use physical separation—shredding, grinding, and sorting—to recover those precious materials without the environmental mess.
North America’s e-waste recycling industry is booming, and with stricter regulations on hazardous waste, demand for reliable dry process equipment is skyrocketing. But with so many suppliers out there, how do you pick the right one? We’ve done the legwork to round up the top 10 dry process PCB recycling equipment suppliers in the region. These aren’t just companies selling machines—they’re partners in turning e-waste into resources. Let’s dive in.
Why Dry Process Matters for PCB Recycling
Before we meet the suppliers, let’s quickly break down why dry process equipment is becoming the go-to choice for recyclers. First off, it’s cleaner. No acids, no heavy metals leaching into waterways, and way less risk of air pollution (though good suppliers still add air filtration systems to catch dust and particulates). Second, it’s efficient. Dry systems can handle a wider range of PCB types, from thin flexible boards in phones to thick, multi-layered ones in industrial machinery. And third, it’s cost-effective long-term. While upfront costs might be higher than basic wet setups, you’ll save big on chemical disposal, wastewater treatment, and regulatory compliance down the line.
Key features to look for in dry process equipment? Shredders that can handle tough PCBs without jamming, separators that use a mix of air classification, electrostatic separation, and magnetic sorting to pull out metals, and modular designs that let you scale up as your business grows. Oh, and don’t sleep on after-sales support—these machines are complex, and you’ll want a team that picks up the phone when something goes wrong.
The Top 10 Suppliers You Need to Know
1. EcoRecycle Solutions Inc.
Based in Vancouver, Canada, EcoRecycle Solutions has been a heavyweight in the recycling equipment game since 2005. What sets them apart? Their focus on dry process equipment that’s built for small to mid-sized recyclers who don’t have the space or budget for industrial-scale setups. Their flagship product, the “DrySep Pro Series,” is a compact line that combines a high-torque shredder, granulator, and multi-stage separator into a single footprint—perfect for shops with limited floor space.
We talked to Mark, a recycler in Oregon who’s used their equipment for three years: “The DrySep 1200 handles about 800 kg/hour, and the metal recovery rate is consistently over 95%. What I love most is the air pollution control system they added—our local inspectors were impressed, and we’ve had zero issues with emissions.” EcoRecycle also offers free on-site training for operators, which is a big plus if you’re new to dry processing.
Standout Features:
- Modular design for easy expansion (add a second separator later if you need more capacity)
- Energy-efficient motors that cut electricity costs by 18% compared to competitors
- 24/7 technical support via phone or video chat
2. North American Recycling Technologies (NART)
Headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, NART is all about “industrial strength, user-friendly design.” They specialize in high-capacity systems—think 1,500 to 2,000 kg/hour—for large recycling facilities that process truckloads of e-waste daily. Their circuit board recycling equipment line, the “MegaShred Series,” uses a two-step shredding process (first a coarse shredder, then a fine granulator) to break down PCBs into uniform particles, making separation easier.
Sarah, operations manager at a major e-waste plant in Ontario, told us: “We run two MegaShred 2000s side by side, and they handle everything from old CRT monitor boards to modern laptop PCBs. The dry separation uses a combination of eddy current and electrostatic sorting—we’re getting 98% copper recovery, which is huge for our bottom line.” NART also offers custom engineering services, so if you need a system tailored to specific materials (like PCBAs with heavy resin coatings), they’ll design it from scratch.
Standout Features:
- Heavy-duty steel construction (shredder blades last 3x longer than standard models)
- Integrated dust collection and air filtration (meets EPA and OSHA standards)
- Remote monitoring via app—check performance metrics and get alerts on your phone
3. GreenTech Recycling Systems
Located in Austin, Texas, GreenTech has made a name for itself by focusing on sustainability in every step . Their dry process PCB equipment isn’t just about recycling—it’s about using recycled materials in the machines themselves. Over 30% of the steel in their frames comes from recycled sources, and their motors are 100% energy-star certified.
Their “EcoGranulate” line is a favorite among eco-conscious recyclers. It uses a compact granulator with dry separator that’s designed to minimize noise (under 85 decibels—you can hold a conversation next to it) and vibration. “We’re in a residential area, so noise was a big concern,” said Carlos, who runs a small recycling co-op in New Mexico. “GreenTech’s system is quiet enough that we don’t get complaints, and the recovery rate for gold and silver is better than we expected—around 92%.”
What really impresses, though, is their take-back program: when your machine is ready to retire, GreenTech will recycle it for free, ensuring even the equipment has a circular lifecycle.
Standout Features:
- Low-noise operation (ideal for urban or residential areas)
- Recycled and recyclable machine components
- Optional solar-powered auxiliary systems (cuts grid electricity use by 25%)
4. Northern Recycling Equipment (NRE)
Based in Toronto, Canada, NRE has a reputation for building tough equipment that handles the messiest PCBs —think boards covered in solder, adhesives, or even少量 (small amounts of) oil from industrial equipment. Their “ToughShred” series uses a unique cutting mechanism with reversible blades that can be flipped when one side dulls, doubling their lifespan.
John, who runs a scrapyard in Alberta, shared: “We process a lot of mixed e-waste, including PCBs that are caked in gunk. NRE’s system doesn’t jam—even with those sticky boards. The dry separator uses air classification first to blow away the plastic and resin, then magnetic and electrostatic to pull out the metals. We’re recovering so much copper that we’ve been able to add a second revenue stream selling clean copper granules to refineries.”
NRE also offers a “Start Small, Grow Big” program, where you can buy a basic system and upgrade components (like adding a higher-capacity granulator) as your business expands—no need to ｒｅｐｌａｃｅ the whole setup.
Standout Features:
- Reversible shredder blades (saves on replacement costs)
- Self-cleaning separator screens (reduces downtime for maintenance)
- Flexible financing options (lease-to-own available for new businesses)
5. Pacific Coast Recycling Tech
Operating out of Seattle, Washington, Pacific Coast Recycling Tech (PCRT) specializes in high-precision separation —critical if you’re targeting precious metals like gold and palladium in PCBs. Their “MicroSep” system uses a combination of air table separation (think a vibrating table that sorts materials by density) and triboelectric sorting (which charges particles to separate conductors from insulators) to get ultra-pure metal fractions.
“We work with jewelers who buy our recycled gold, so purity is everything,” said Lisa, owner of a California-based e-waste recycler. “PCRT’s MicroSep gets the gold content in the metal fraction up to 99.9%, which means we can sell it at a premium. The dry process also means we don’t have to deal with cyanide or aqua regia, which was a big win for our team’s safety.”
PCRT is also known for their responsive service—they guarantee a technician on-site within 48 hours if you have a breakdown, which is rare in the industry. They also offer training workshops twice a year in major cities, so you can send your team to learn tips and tricks for optimizing recovery rates.
Standout Features:
- Precision separation for precious metals (99.9% purity achievable)
- Rapid service response (48-hour on-site guarantee in the U.S. and Canada)
- Data logging software to track recovery rates and optimize processes
6. Midwest Recycling Innovations
Based in Chicago, Illinois, Midwest Recycling Innovations (MRI) is all about innovation . They were one of the first suppliers to integrate AI into their dry process equipment. Their “SmartSort” system uses cameras and machine learning to identify different types of PCBs in real time, adjusting the shredder speed and separator settings automatically for optimal recovery.
“We process a lot of mixed e-waste—old motherboards, graphics cards, even military-grade PCBs—and they all have different compositions,” explained Raj, operations director at a large recycler in Ohio. “The SmartSort system recognizes which type is coming through and tweaks the settings on the fly. Our recovery rate jumped by 8% in the first month, and we’re saving hours of manual sorting time.”
MRI also offers a unique “Try Before You Buy” program: you can rent a system for 30 days to test it with your specific materials before committing. It’s a great way to make sure the equipment works for your needs—especially if you’re dealing with unusual PCB types.
Standout Features:
- AI-powered adaptive sorting (adjusts to material type in real time)
- Cloud-based analytics dashboard (track performance across multiple machines)
- 30-day rental option for testing
7. Atlantic Recycling Equipment
Headquartered in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Atlantic Recycling Equipment (ARE) prides itself on durability in harsh environments . Their equipment is built to withstand the cold Canadian winters and humid coastal air, making it a top choice for recyclers in the Northeast. Their “ArcticShred” line uses corrosion-resistant materials and heated components to prevent freezing in sub-zero temperatures.
“We’re in Newfoundland, and winters here are brutal,” said Mike, who runs a recycling facility there. “ARE’s equipment starts up every morning, even when it’s -20°C outside. The dry process separator has a heated air intake, so we don’t get ice buildup on the screens. It’s been three years, and we’ve only had to ｒｅｐｌａｃｅ a few belts—no major breakdowns.”
ARE also offers a “Lifetime Frame Warranty” on all their machines—if the steel frame cracks or bends, they’ll ｒｅｐｌａｃｅ it for free, no questions asked. That kind of confidence in their build quality is hard to find.
Standout Features:
- Weather-resistant design (ideal for cold, humid, or coastal climates)
- Lifetime warranty on steel frames
- Low-maintenance components (grease points centralized for easy upkeep)
8. Rocky Mountain Recycling Systems
Located in Denver, Colorado, Rocky Mountain Recycling Systems (RMRS) focuses on mobile and portable solutions —perfect for recyclers who need to process e-waste on-site at demolition projects or remote locations. Their “MobileDry” series is a truck-mounted system that includes a shredder, granulator, and separator, all powered by a diesel generator (or plug-in electric for indoor use).
“We do a lot of work with schools and businesses that want their e-waste recycled locally,” said Jake, owner of a mobile recycling service in Montana. “RMRS’s MobileDry lets us process PCBs right in their parking lot. We can handle about 300 kg/hour, and the metal fractions go into our truck for transport to a refinery. It cuts down on transportation costs and makes clients feel good about keeping waste out of landfills.”
RMRS also offers a “Rapid Deployment” package that includes training, spare parts, and a maintenance kit, so you can hit the road as soon as the equipment arrives.
Standout Features:
- Truck-mounted mobile systems (process e-waste on-site)
- Dual power options (diesel or electric)
- Compact design fits in a standard 26-foot truck
9. Ontario Recycling Machinery
Based in Toronto, Ontario, Ontario Recycling Machinery (ORM) is a family-owned business with over 40 years of experience. They’re known for customization —if you have a unique challenge (like processing PCBs with embedded batteries or large capacitors), they’ll design a system that handles it. Their “CustomDry” program starts with a site visit, where their engineers assess your needs, then build a one-of-a-kind solution.
“We process a lot of industrial PCBs that have big aluminum heat sinks attached,” said Paul, a recycler in Michigan. “Standard shredders jam on those, but ORM designed a custom cutter that slices through the heat sinks first, then feeds the rest into the granulator. It’s saved us hours of manual pre-processing. The dry separator also has a special screen to catch the aluminum fragments, so we can sell that as a separate product.”
ORM also offers financing through their parent company, making it easier to afford custom builds. And with a factory in Toronto, they can turn around custom designs faster than many overseas suppliers—typically 8-10 weeks instead of 3-4 months.
Standout Features:
- Fully custom designs for unique materials
- In-house manufacturing (faster lead times)
- Family-owned customer service (you’ll talk to the same team every time)
10. Western Canada Recycling Tech
Closing out our list is Western Canada Recycling Tech (WCRT), based in Calgary, Alberta. They’ve carved a niche in low-energy dry process equipment , perfect for recyclers looking to reduce their carbon footprint. Their “EcoDrive” motors use variable frequency drives (VFDs) to adjust speed based on load, cutting energy use by up to 25% compared to standard motors.
“We’re a B Corp, so sustainability is non-negotiable,” said Emma, sustainability director at a Vancouver-based e-waste company. “WCRT’s system uses about 18 kWh per ton of PCBs processed, which is way lower than the industry average of 25 kWh. The dry process also means we’re not using water, which is a big deal here in drought-prone Alberta. Plus, their air pollution control system captures 99% of dust, so we’re not contributing to local air quality issues.”
WCRT also offers a “Carbon Offset Program”—for every machine sold, they plant 100 trees through a Canadian reforestation charity. It’s a small touch, but it resonates with eco-minded customers.
Standout Features:
- Low-energy VFD motors (25% less energy use)
- Water-free operation (ideal for water-scarce regions)
- Carbon offset program with tree planting
How to Choose the Right Supplier for You
With 10 great options, how do you narrow it down? Start by asking yourself these questions:
- What’s your capacity? A small recycler processing 500 kg/day doesn’t need the same system as a plant handling 5 tons/day. Suppliers like EcoRecycle and GreenTech specialize in smaller setups, while NART and MRI cater to large-scale operations.
- What metals are you targeting? If you’re after precious metals (gold, silver), prioritize suppliers like PCRT with precision separation. For bulk metals (copper, aluminum), look for high-throughput systems from NART or Northern Recycling.
- Where are you located? If you’re in a cold climate, ARE’s ArcticShred is a no-brainer. In a residential area? GreenTech’s low-noise systems will keep the neighbors happy.
- What’s your budget? Custom systems from ORM will cost more upfront but might save money long-term if you have unique materials. For tight budgets, EcoRecycle and Western Canada Recycling Tech offer entry-level models with financing.
And don’t forget to ask for references. Any reputable supplier will put you in touch with current customers who can talk about reliability, service, and real-world recovery rates. A machine that looks great on paper might perform poorly in practice—so talk to someone who’s used it for at least a year.
Comparing the Top 5: At a Glance
| Supplier | Best For | Capacity Range | Key Strength | Price Range* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EcoRecycle Solutions | Small to mid-sized recyclers | 300-1,500 kg/hour | Compact design, easy training | $80k-$250k |
| North American Recycling Tech | Large-scale facilities | 1,500-3,000 kg/hour | Industrial durability, high throughput | $300k-$800k |
| GreenTech Recycling Systems | Eco-conscious recyclers | 500-2,000 kg/hour | Low noise, recycled materials in machines | $120k-$350k |
| Pacific Coast Recycling Tech | Precious metal recovery | 400-1,800 kg/hour | High-purity separation (99.9% metals) | $150k-$400k |
| Western Canada Recycling Tech | Low-energy operations | 500-2,200 kg/hour | 25% less energy use, water-free | $130k-$380k |
*Estimated prices for basic systems; custom builds and add-ons will increase costs.
Final Thoughts: Your E-Waste, Their Expertise
Circuit board recycling isn’t just about making money—it’s about keeping toxic materials out of landfills and putting valuable resources back into the economy. Dry process equipment is the future of this industry, and the suppliers on this list are leading the way with innovative, efficient, and eco-friendly solutions.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade your current setup, there’s a supplier here that fits your needs. Take the time to assess your capacity, materials, and values, talk to references, and don’t be afraid to ask for a demo or trial. After all, this is an investment in your business—and the planet.
Here’s to turning your e-waste into your next big opportunity. Happy recycling!
