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Top 10 Dry Process PCB Recycling Equipment Suppliers in the UK

Let’s talk about something that’s been on every environmentalist’s mind lately: what happens to all those old circuit boards (PCBs) piling up in our drawers, offices, and recycling bins? With electronic waste growing at a rate of 21% annually in the UK, according to recent stats, PCB recycling isn’t just a “nice-to-have”—it’s a necessity. These tiny green boards are packed with valuable metals like gold, silver, and copper, but they also contain lead and mercury, which spell disaster if they end up in landfills. That’s where dry process PCB recycling equipment comes in. Unlike wet methods that guzzle water and use harsh chemicals, dry processes are low-mess, energy-efficient, and way kinder to our planet. They’re perfect for the UK’s strict environmental regulations, too. Today, we’re rounding up the top 10 suppliers in the UK that are leading the charge in dry process PCB recycling. Whether you’re a small-scale recycler or a large industrial plant, there’s something here for everyone. Let’s dive in!

Why Dry Process PCB Recycling Matters

Before we meet the suppliers, let’s quickly break down why dry process equipment is making waves. First off, water conservation: in a country where droughts are becoming more frequent, dry recycling uses next to no water, which is a huge win. Second, no toxic runoff—wet processes often produce chemical-laden wastewater that’s tough to treat. Dry methods? They rely on mechanical sorting, air separation, and electrostatic technology to separate metals from plastic, so there’s minimal environmental risk. Third, efficiency: modern dry systems can handle anywhere from 300kg to 2000kg of PCBs per hour, making them scalable for businesses of all sizes. And finally, cost—over time, lower water and chemical bills mean dry equipment often pays for itself faster than wet alternatives. Now, let’s meet the companies turning these benefits into reality.

The Top 10 Suppliers

1. EcoRecycle Tech UK

Founded in 2010 and based in Birmingham, EcoRecycle Tech UK has built a reputation as the go-to for high-capacity dry PCB recycling. What really sets them apart is their flagship product: the WCBD-2000A Dry Separator Plant (you might recognize that model number if you’re deep into recycling tech specs). This beast is designed to handle 500–2000kg of PCBs per hour—yes, you read that right. For large recycling facilities processing truckloads of e-waste daily, this is a game-changer.

Their secret? A combination of precision shredding and AI-driven air classification. First, PCBs are fed into a heavy-duty shredder that breaks them down into small particles without generating excessive dust. Then, an air separation system uses adjustable airflow to separate lighter plastic fragments from heavier metal bits. The AI component? It fine-tunes the separation settings in real time, ensuring up to 98% purity in metal recovery. That’s industry-leading, folks.

Standout Features: 500–2000kg/h capacity, AI-optimized dry separation, low energy consumption (only 15kW for the full system), and a built-in dust collection unit that meets the UK’s strict air quality standards.

Who’s it for? Major recycling hubs, municipal waste management centers, and e-waste processors handling over 10 tons of PCBs monthly. They also offer custom setups—if you need a system tailored to your facility’s layout, their engineers will design it from scratch.

2. GreenCycle Solutions (Manchester)

Not everyone needs a 2000kg/h monster, and GreenCycle Solutions gets that. This Manchester-based supplier specializes in compact, user-friendly dry recycling systems perfect for small to medium businesses. Their star product? The Compact Granulator with Dry Separator , a all-in-one unit that fits in a standard 20ft container. It’s ideal for startups or workshops with limited space.

Don’t let the size fool you, though. This little powerhouse handles 300–800kg/hour, which is more than enough for most small recyclers. The process is straightforward: load whole PCBs into the hopper, hit start, and walk away (okay, maybe keep an eye on it, but you get the idea). The granulator crushes the boards into uniform granules, then a dry electrostatic separator pulls out metals using static charge—no water, no chemicals, just good old-fashioned physics.

Standout Features: Plug-and-play installation (no need for a team of engineers), compact design (3m x 2m footprint), low noise operation (under 85dB—quieter than a lawnmower), and a touchscreen control panel that even first-time users can master in an hour.

What customers love most? The price point. At around £45,000–£65,000, it’s significantly more affordable than industrial-scale systems. GreenCycle also offers a 5-year warranty on parts, which is rare in this industry. If you’re just starting out in PCB recycling, this is the one to consider.

3. Britannia Recycling Systems (Leeds)

Leeds-based Britannia is all about innovation, and their latest project is turning heads: integrating nano ceramic balls into their ball mills to boost efficiency. If you’re not familiar, ball mills are used to grind PCB particles into even finer powder for better separation. Traditional steel balls can wear down quickly and contaminate the material, but Britannia’s nano ceramic balls are harder, lighter, and last 10x longer. This means less downtime for maintenance and purer end products.

Their Dry Process PCB Recycling Line combines this ceramic ball mill with a multi-stage air classifier. The result? They can recover not just gold and copper, but also trace metals like palladium and platinum that often get lost in standard systems. For recyclers looking to maximize profits from every batch, this is a big deal.

Standout Features: Nano ceramic ball mill technology, 400–1500kg/h capacity, trace metal recovery (up to 0.5g of gold per ton of PCBs), and a modular design that lets you add extra separators as your business grows.

Britannia also prides itself on sustainability. Their equipment is made from 80% recycled steel, and they offset 100% of the carbon emissions from manufacturing. For eco-conscious businesses, that’s a major plus when choosing suppliers.

4. EcoTech Innovations UK (Edinburgh)

EcoTech Innovations isn’t just selling equipment—they’re selling peace of mind. This Edinburgh firm has made a name for itself by offering complete turnkey solutions for dry PCB recycling. From initial site surveys to installation, training, and ongoing support, they handle it all. No more coordinating with multiple contractors or stressing over whether your new machine will work with your existing setup.

Their core equipment is the ET-DryLine Series , which includes a pre-shredder, granulator, air separator, and electrostatic sorter—all calibrated to work together seamlessly. What’s unique here is their focus on operator training. Every purchase includes a 3-day on-site training program where your team learns maintenance, troubleshooting, and optimization. They even offer 24/7 phone support for those 3am “uh-oh” moments.

Standout Features: Turnkey packages (no hidden costs), lifetime technical support, 400–1800kg/h capacity, and compatibility with other recycling lines (they can integrate with your existing cable or motor recycling equipment if needed).

Customers rave about their responsiveness. One recycler in Glasgow told us, “When our separator jammed during a busy week, their technician was on-site within 4 hours and had us back up and running by lunch.” For businesses that can’t afford downtime, that level of service is priceless.

5. Northern Recycling Technologies (Newcastle)

Newcastle’s Northern Recycling Technologies is for the heavy hitters—think industrial-scale operations processing 50+ tons of PCBs weekly. Their claim to fame? The NR-2000C High-Capacity Dry System , which cranks out 2000kg+ per hour. This isn’t just a bigger version of standard equipment; it’s built like a tank to handle the toughest PCBs, including those with thick copper layers or embedded components.

Durability is key here. The shredder blades are made from hardened D2 steel, which lasts 3x longer than standard alloys. The conveyor belts are reinforced with Kevlar, and the control panel is housed in a waterproof, dustproof enclosure—perfect for busy warehouses where equipment takes a beating. Maintenance? They’ve designed it to be simple: quick-change blades, easy-access filters, and a self-cleaning air separator that reduces downtime.

Standout Features: 2000kg+/hour capacity, industrial-grade durability, low maintenance (only 2 hours of upkeep per week), and a 3-year warranty on all mechanical parts.

They also offer something unique: a “profit calculator” tool on their website. Plug in your expected PCB volume, metal prices, and energy costs, and it estimates your ROI. Most customers see payback in under 18 months, which is impressive for heavy machinery.

6. Sustainable Electronics Recovery (SER) (London)

London-based SER takes “green” seriously—so seriously, in fact, that their dry PCB recycling systems are certified carbon-neutral. How? They use solar-powered motors for their equipment and offset any remaining emissions through reforestation projects in the UK. For businesses aiming for B Corp certification or strict ESG goals, this is a huge selling point.

Their star product, the SER-CleanCycle 1500 , isn’t just eco-friendly—it’s also packed with smart features. It uses air pollution control system technology integrated directly into the recycling line, capturing 99.9% of dust and particulates. This means you won’t need a separate dust extraction system, saving space and money.

Standout Features: Carbon-neutral operation, integrated air pollution control, 500–1500kg/h capacity, and compliance with the EU’s strict REACH and RoHS regulations (critical if you export recycled metals).

SER also offers a “closed-loop” service: they’ll help you sell the recycled metals to certified buyers, ensuring your materials stay within ethical supply chains. For companies that want to market their recycling as “100% sustainable from start to finish,” this is a game-changer.

7. Midlands EcoMachinery (Nottingham)

Nottingham’s Midlands EcoMachinery is all about affordability—without sacrificing quality. They cater to startups and small recyclers who need reliable equipment but can’t drop six figures on a system. Their best-seller is the ME-CompactDry 300 , a budget-friendly option that handles 300–500kg/hour for under £35,000.

How do they keep costs low? They focus on essential features: a basic shredder, manual-adjust air separator, and simple controls. No AI, no fancy touchscreens—just a rugged machine that gets the job done. That said, it’s still built to last. The motor is warrantied for 5 years, and replacement parts are affordable and easy to source (no waiting 6 weeks for a specialty part from overseas).

Standout Features: £35k price tag, 300–500kg/h capacity, easy maintenance (most repairs can be done with basic tools), and a space-saving design (fits in a 12ft x 10ft room).

One word of caution: It’s manual-adjust, so you’ll need to monitor separation efficiency and tweak settings periodically. But for small operations processing a few tons per month, that’s a small trade-off for the cost savings. Midlands also offers a rent-to-own program, which is perfect if you want to test the waters before buying.

8. London Recycling Engineering (LRE)

London Recycling Engineering (LRE) is the custom solutions expert. If your recycling needs are unique—maybe you process military-grade PCBs, medical equipment boards, or other specialized electronics—LRE will design a dry system tailored to your exact requirements. They don’t just sell machines; they solve problems.

Take, for example, a recent project for a defense contractor that needed to recycle PCBs with classified components. LRE built a system with built-in metal detectors and secure shredding to ensure no sensitive data could be recovered. For a medical waste recycler, they added a decontamination pre-treatment stage before dry separation. The possibilities are endless.

Standout Features: Fully custom design, handling of specialized PCBs, 300–2000kg/h capacity (scalable), and compliance with industry-specific regulations (defense, medical, aerospace, etc.).

Of course, custom work comes with a higher price tag and longer lead times (usually 3–6 months), but for businesses with unique challenges, it’s worth it. LRE also offers a free consultation where their engineers assess your needs and outline options—no obligation to buy.

9. Scottish GreenTech Solutions (Glasgow)

Glasgow’s Scottish GreenTech is shaking things up with portable dry PCB recycling. Their PHBM Series Portable Briquetting Machines (you might see models like PHBM-002 or PHBM-004) are compact enough to fit in a van, making them ideal for on-site recycling at factories, offices, or event venues generating e-waste locally.

These portable units are smaller—handling 50–200kg/hour—but they’re incredibly versatile. They can process not just PCBs, but also small cables, connectors, and even lithium battery components (with the right attachments). The briquetting feature is a bonus: after separating metals, the machine compresses metal dust into dense briquettes, making storage and transport to smelters much easier.

Standout Features: Portable design (tows behind a pickup truck), 50–200kg/h capacity, briquetting function, and battery-powered options for off-grid use. Perfect for construction sites or remote locations.

One customer, a telecom company, uses their PHBM-003 to recycle old router PCBs right at cell tower sites, eliminating transportation costs. “We used to pay £200/ton to haul e-waste to the city,” they told us. “Now we process it on-site and sell the metal briquettes for profit. It’s a no-brainer.”

10. UK Recycling Equipment Co. (Bristol)

Rounding out our list is Bristol’s UK Recycling Equipment Co., a family-owned business with over 30 years in the industry. They’re the reliability experts—their equipment is known for running smoothly for decades with minimal issues. Their UK-DryMaster Series is a classic for a reason: simple, sturdy, and consistent.

What’s their secret? They stick to proven technology rather than chasing the latest trends. No AI, no fancy apps—just a well-engineered air separation system that’s been refined over 30 years. Their machines are also easy to repair: most parts are standard and available locally, so you won’t be waiting for imports. They even stock common spares at their Bristol warehouse for next-day delivery.

Standout Features: 400–1600kg/h capacity, 30+ years of reliability data, easy repairs, and a loyal customer base (many clients have been buying from them for 15+ years).

For businesses that value dependability over cutting-edge tech, UK Recycling Equipment Co. is a safe bet. They also offer trade-ins: upgrade your old machine, and they’ll give you credit toward a new one. It’s a great way to keep your equipment up-to-date without breaking the bank.

At a Glance: Key Specs Comparison

Supplier Capacity (kg/h) Price Range (£) Best For Unique Perk
EcoRecycle Tech UK 500–2000 250k–400k Large facilities AI-optimized separation
GreenCycle Solutions 300–800 45k–65k Small/medium businesses Compact, plug-and-play
Britannia Recycling Systems 400–1500 180k–300k Trace metal recovery Nano ceramic ball mill
EcoTech Innovations UK 400–1800 200k–350k Full-service needs Turnkey + 24/7 support
Northern Recycling Technologies 2000+ 300k–500k Industrial-scale Hardened steel components
Sustainable Electronics Recovery 500–1500 220k–380k Eco-certified operations Carbon-neutral operation
Midlands EcoMachinery 300–500 35k–50k Startups/budget buyers Rent-to-own option
London Recycling Engineering 300–2000 Custom pricing Specialized PCBs Fully custom design
Scottish GreenTech Solutions 50–200 60k–90k On-site recycling Portable/battery-powered
UK Recycling Equipment Co. 400–1600 190k–320k Reliability-focused buyers 30+ years of proven tech

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Supplier for You

So, how do you pick from these 10 great options? Start by asking yourself three questions: What’s your capacity needs? (How many kg of PCBs do you process monthly?) What’s your budget? (Don’t forget to factor in long-term costs like maintenance and energy.) Do you have unique requirements? (Specialized PCBs? Limited space? On-site processing?)

For large-scale operations with big budgets, EcoRecycle Tech or Northern Recycling Technologies will keep up with your volume. Small businesses should lean toward GreenCycle Solutions or Midlands EcoMachinery for affordability and simplicity. If you need something custom, London Recycling Engineering is your best bet. And for eco-warriors, Sustainable Electronics Recovery’s carbon-neutral approach is hard to beat.

No matter which supplier you choose, investing in dry process PCB recycling is a win-win: you’ll reduce environmental impact, recover valuable metals, and position your business as a leader in sustainable waste management. The UK’s e-waste problem isn’t going away—but with the right equipment, we can turn it into an opportunity. Happy recycling!

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