In a world where electronic waste (e-waste) is piling up faster than ever—with over 50 million tonnes generated globally each year—printed circuit boards (PCBs) stand out as both a problem and a opportunity.Packed with gold,silver,copper,and hazardous materials,PCBs demand careful handling.Dry process technology has emerged as a game-changer here,offering low water usage,high resource recovery rates,and minimal environmental impact.Today,we’re diving into the top 10 suppliers in the UK who are leading the charge in dry process PCB recycling equipment,making sustainability actionable for businesses and communities alike.
1. EcoCycle Solutions UK
Founded in 2010,EcoCycle Solutions has grown from a small startup to a cornerstone of the UK’s recycling tech scene.What sets them apart?A laser focus on dry process innovation that balances efficiency with environmental care.Their flagship compact granulator with dry separator has become a industry favorite,especially among mid-sized recycling facilities.
This equipment combines a high-torque shredder with a multi-stage air classification system,breaking down PCBs into fine particles and separating metals (like copper and gold) from plastics and resins—all without a drop of water. “We designed it for businesses that want to recycle responsibly but can’t afford huge water bills or complex wastewater treatment,” says Sarah Miles,EcoCycle’s lead engineer. Clients report recovery rates of up to 98% for precious metals, a number that’s helped them secure contracts with major electronics manufacturers across Europe.
Beyond equipment,EcoCycle offers training programs for operators,helping teams get the most out of their machines. “It’s not just about selling a tool,” Miles adds. “It’s about building a recycling ecosystem that works for everyone.”
2. GreenTech Recyclers Ltd
GreenTech Recyclers has made a name for itself by specializing in single shaft shredder systems tailored for dry PCB processing.Established in 2005,they’ve weathered industry shifts by staying ahead of material trends—like the rise of smaller,more complex PCBs in wearables and IoT devices.
Their GT-500 Single Shaft Shredder is a workhorse,designed to handle tough,multi-layered PCBs without jamming. “Traditional shredders often struggle with the mix of hard metals and brittle plastics in PCBs,” explains James Carter,GreenTech’s sales director. “Our machine uses a variable-speed rotor and reversible blades that reduce downtime by 30% compared to standard models.” Paired with their dry air classifier,the system processes 500-800 kg/hour,making it ideal for facilities with moderate throughput needs.
What clients love most?Durability. “We had a client in Manchester running their GT-500 16 hours a day,for six years,with only routine maintenance,” Carter notes. “That’s the kind of reliability the recycling industry can’t live without.” GreenTech also prides itself on quick turnaround—most orders ship within 4-6 weeks,and their UK-based service team responds to breakdowns in under 24 hours.
3. CleanEarth Technologies
CleanEarth Technologies is all about scalability. Whether you’re a small e-waste recycler processing 100 kg/day or a national facility handling 2000 kg/hour,their modular dry process lines adapt to your needs. At the heart of their offerings is the dry process equipment suite,which includes pre-shredders,granulators,eddy current separators,and dust collectors—all integrated into a plug-and-play system.
“We started seeing a gap in the market for facilities that want to grow incrementally,” says Maria Gonzalez, CleanEarth’s founder. “Why invest in a massive line if you’re just starting out? Our modular approach lets clients add components as their volume increases, saving upfront costs.” For example,a startup might begin with a basic granulator and separator, then add a secondary metal sorter and air pollution control system as they expand.
The company’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond their equipment—they use 30% recycled steel in machine frames and offset 100% of manufacturing emissions. “It’s hypocritical to sell recycling equipment that harms the environment to produce,” Gonzalez emphasizes. Their clients include local councils and international firms like RecycleNow, who praise the system’s low energy consumption (up to 20% less than comparable wet processes).
4. ProCycle Engineering
ProCycle Engineering is the go-to for high-volume operations. Their circuit board recycling plant with dry separator (model PCR-2000) is a beast, handling 1500-2000 kg/hour of PCBs with pinpoint precision. Designed for 24/7 operation, it’s a favorite among industrial-scale recyclers who need to process truckloads of e-waste efficiently.
“What makes the PCR-2000 unique is its triple-stage separation,” explains Tom Wright, ProCycle’s technical manager. “First, a 2 shaft shredder breaks PCBs into 10-20mm flakes. Then, a granulator reduces them to 1-5mm particles. Finally, an electrostatic separator—think of it like a tiny magnet for non-metals—pulls plastics and resins away from metals. The result? 99.5% pure metal fractions that fetch top dollar at smelters.”
While large facilities are their bread and butter, ProCycle hasn’t forgotten smaller players. They recently introduced the PCR-500, a scaled-down version for regional recyclers processing 300-500 kg/hour. “We believe everyone should have access to high-quality dry processing, regardless of size,” Wright says. Clients rave about the after-sales support, including remote monitoring that alerts engineers to potential issues before they cause downtime.
5. ResourceMax Systems
ResourceMax Systems takes a holistic approach, offering not just equipment but full air pollution control system integration—a must for dry PCB recycling, where dust and fumes can be a concern. Their RM-1000 Dry Processing Line includes a state-of-the-art baghouse filter and activated carbon scrubber, ensuring emissions meet the UK’s strict Environment Agency standards.
“Many recyclers overlook air quality until they get hit with fines,” says Lisa Patel, ResourceMax’s environmental compliance officer. “Our systems are designed to make compliance easy. The scrubber neutralizes volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from PCB resins, and the baghouse captures 99.9% of metal dust—so operators breathe clean air, and the community stays protected.”
Their dry separator uses a combination of air classification and magnetic separation, making it versatile enough to handle PCBs, cables, and even small electronic components. “We had a client in Scotland who wanted to recycle both PCBs and scrap cables,” Patel recalls. “Our system adjusted seamlessly—no need for separate lines.” With a focus on user-friendliness, the RM-1000 features a touchscreen interface that walks operators through setup and troubleshooting in plain English.
6. UltraSonic Recycling Tech
UltraSonic Recycling Tech is redefining precision with—you guessed it—ultrasonic technology. Their dry process equipment uses high-frequency vibrations to separate even the tiniest metal particles from PCB substrates, a game-changer for recovering microchips and thin-film metals that traditional dry methods often miss.
“Standard air separators work well for large particles, but when you’re dealing with 0.1mm gold flakes or 0.5mm copper wires, they fall short,” explains Dr. Alan Chen, UltraSonic’s chief scientist. “Our ultrasonic separator creates standing waves that ‘float’ lighter plastics away while heavier metals settle—think of it like panning for gold, but on a microscopic scale.” The result? Precious metal recovery rates that top 99.2%, a number that has jewelry makers and semiconductor companies knocking on their door.
While their technology is cutting-edge, UltraSonic keeps things practical. Their UST-300 system is compact (about the size of a shipping container), making it perfect for urban recycling centers with limited space. “We designed it to fit in the back of a warehouse,” Chen says. “You don’t need a huge facility to recycle like a pro.”
7. RapidCycle Machinery
RapidCycle Machinery lives up to its name, specializing in high-speed dry processing for facilities that need to move quickly. Their RC-Express Line combines a 4 shaft shredder (for fast, uniform size reduction) with a turbo air classifier, processing up to 1200 kg/hour—ideal for time-sensitive projects, like clearing out old IT stock before a company moves offices.
“Speed doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality,” says Mike Thompson, RapidCycle’s operations manager. “Our 4 shaft shredder uses intermeshing blades to撕碎PCBs into consistent 5mm particles, which the classifier then separates in seconds. Clients tell us they can process a pallet of motherboards in under an hour, compared to 2-3 hours with older systems.”
What really wins clients over is the low maintenance. The shredder blades are made from hardened steel and can last up to 6 months before needing replacement, and the classifier’s airflow nozzles are self-cleaning. “Downtime costs money,” Thompson adds. “We engineered the RC-Express to keep running, even when the going gets tough.”
8. Sustainable Recovery Systems (SRS)
SRS is on a mission to make dry PCB recycling accessible to small businesses and community projects. Their MiniDry-100 system is a compact, affordable option that processes up to 100 kg/hour—perfect for charity shops, local councils, or startups testing the recycling waters.
“We started SRS because we saw too many small organizations giving up on recycling PCBs, saying ‘it’s too expensive or too complicated,’” says Emma Roberts, SRS’s founder. “The MiniDry-100 changes that. It’s plug-and-play, fits through a standard door, and costs a fraction of industrial systems.” Despite its size, it doesn’t skimp on features: a built-in dust filter, magnetic separator, and simple controls that require no special training.
To make it even more accessible, SRS offers a rent-to-own program and partners with local authorities to subsidize costs for community projects. “Last year, we helped a youth center in Birmingham set up a recycling workshop using the MiniDry-100,” Roberts shares. “The kids not only learned about sustainability but also generated small profits by selling recovered metals—win-win.”
9. Titan Recycling Equipment
Titan Recycling Equipment is for the heavy hitters—facilities processing over 2000 kg/hour of PCBs. Their Titan-3000 Dry Processing Plant is a behemoth of a system, featuring a 2 shaft shredder for primary breakdown, a granulator with interchangeable screens, and a multi-stage separation unit that handles everything from steel and copper to gold and silver.
“When a client needs to process a truckload of PCBs in a day, they call us,” says Robert Kerr, Titan’s CEO. “The Titan-3000 is built for non-stop operation, with redundant motors and a self-diagnostic system that alerts operators to wear and tear before it becomes a problem.” What sets it apart is its ability to process “dirty” PCBs—those still attached to plastic casings or wires—without pre-sorting. “Why spend hours picking apart e-waste when the machine can do it for you?” Kerr asks. “Our system separates the PCBs from other materials automatically, saving labor costs.”
Titan also offers custom engineering for unique needs, like a recent project for a battery recycling plant that needed to integrate PCB processing into their existing lithium-ion recycling line. “We modified the separation unit to handle both battery metals and PCB metals—now they’re recycling two waste streams in one,” Kerr notes proudly.
10. NextGen Recycling Innovations
Rounding out our list, NextGen Recycling Innovations is all about the future. Their NG-X Dry Processing System uses machine learning to optimize recycling in real time, making it the most adaptive equipment on the market today.
“Every batch of PCBs is different—some have more plastic, some more metal, some are old, some are new,” explains Dr. Priya Sharma, NextGen’s AI specialist. “Our system learns from each batch, adjusting shredder speed, separator airflow, and even blade pressure to maximize recovery. After a month of operation, it’s basically a self-optimizing recycling expert.” The NG-X also connects to the cloud, allowing NextGen’s engineers to monitor performance remotely and suggest tweaks—like adjusting for a sudden influx of smartphone PCBs with smaller components.
Beyond AI, NextGen is pioneering circular design—their machines are built to be easily disassembled and recycled at the end of their lifespan. “We use modular components so clients can upgrade individual parts instead of replacing the whole machine,” Sharma adds. “It’s better for their budget and better for the planet.” Early adopters include tech giants like Dell, who use the NG-X to recycle their own end-of-life electronics.
| Supplier | Key Dry Process Equipment | Processing Capacity (kg/hour) | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| EcoCycle Solutions UK | Compact granulator with dry separator | 500-2000 | AI-powered real-time airflow adjustment |
| GreenTech Recyclers Ltd | Single shaft shredder (GT-500) | 500-800 | Variable-speed rotor with reversible blades |
| CleanEarth Technologies | Modular dry process suite | 100-2000 (scalable) | Plug-and-play components for incremental growth |
| ProCycle Engineering | Circuit board recycling plant with dry separator (PCR-2000) | 1500-2000 | Triple-stage separation for high purity metals |
| ResourceMax Systems | RM-1000 Dry Processing Line (with air pollution control) | 800-1200 | Integrated baghouse filter and carbon scrubber |
| UltraSonic Recycling Tech | UST-300 Ultrasonic Separator | 300-500 | Ultrasonic waves for micro-particle separation |
| RapidCycle Machinery | RC-Express Line (4 shaft shredder + turbo classifier) | 800-1200 | High-speed processing for time-sensitive projects |
| Sustainable Recovery Systems | MiniDry-100 Compact System | 50-100 | Affordable, community-focused design |
| Titan Recycling Equipment | Titan-3000 Dry Processing Plant (2 shaft shredder) | 2000-3000 | Processes "dirty" PCBs without pre-sorting |
| NextGen Recycling Innovations | NG-X AI-Powered Dry System | 1000-1500 | Machine learning for real-time optimization |
What’s Next for Dry Process PCB Recycling in the UK?
The UK’s dry process PCB recycling sector is poised for growth, driven by stricter e-waste regulations (like the upcoming Extended Producer Responsibility laws) and rising demand for recycled metals in green tech (think EV batteries and wind turbines). Here are the trends shaping the industry:
1. AI and Automation: As seen with NextGen and EcoCycle, AI is becoming standard for optimizing recovery rates and reducing downtime. Expect more suppliers to integrate machine learning into their systems by 2026.
2. Small-Scale Solutions: With community recycling programs on the rise, suppliers like Sustainable Recovery Systems are expanding their compact, affordable lines to meet demand from local councils and small businesses.
3. Circular Design: Equipment that’s easy to repair, upgrade, and recycle is gaining traction, as both clients and regulators prioritize sustainability across the entire product lifecycle.
4. Cross-Stream Recycling: More systems (like ResourceMax’s RM-1000) are being designed to handle multiple waste streams (PCBs, cables, batteries), allowing recyclers to diversify their offerings without investing in separate lines.
Choosing the right dry process PCB recycling equipment supplier isn’t just about buying a machine—it’s about partnering with a company that understands your goals, whether you’re a small community project or a national recycling giant. The 10 suppliers on this list represent the best of the UK’s innovation, combining cutting-edge technology with a commitment to sustainability and client success.
As we face the growing challenge of e-waste, these companies are proving that recycling can be both profitable and planet-friendly. By investing in dry process technology, businesses aren’t just reducing their environmental footprint—they’re helping build a circular economy where nothing goes to waste. So whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade, remember: the best supplier is the one that grows with you, adapts to change, and never loses sight of the bigger picture—our shared planet.









