New Zealand's commitment to sustainability has never been stronger, and at the heart of this movement lies the recycling industry—a sector that relies heavily on robust, efficient equipment to turn waste into valuable resources. Among the most critical pieces of machinery in this space is the filter press, a workhorse that separates liquids from solids in recycling processes, ensuring compliance with environmental standards and maximizing resource recovery. But filter presses are just one part of the equation; from lead acid battery recycling to lithium-ion battery processing, from circuit board recovery to air pollution control, the right equipment supplier can make or break a recycling operation's success.
In this guide, we'll explore the top 10 filter press suppliers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and traders in New Zealand, highlighting their expertise in complementary equipment like lead acid battery recycling systems, air pollution control setups, and lithium battery processing lines. Whether you're a small-scale recycler or a large industrial facility, these suppliers stand out for their reliability, innovation, and commitment to sustainability.
1. Auckland Recycling Technologies Ltd.
With over 18 years in the industry, Auckland Recycling Technologies (ART) has cemented its reputation as a leader in lead acid battery recycling equipment—a niche that demands precision and adherence to strict environmental guidelines. What sets ART apart is its holistic approach: the company doesn't just sell machines; it delivers end-to-end solutions, including the critical filter press equipment needed to collect paste from broken batteries. "Lead acid battery recycling generates a thick paste that needs efficient separation," explains Sarah Chen, ART's technical director. "Our filter presses are designed to handle this paste with minimal water usage, reducing waste and ensuring maximum lead recovery."
Beyond lead acid systems, ART has expanded into air pollution control system equipment, recognizing that modern recycling plants can't afford to overlook emissions. Their dust collectors and scrubbers work seamlessly with their filter presses, creating a closed-loop system that meets New Zealand's strict air quality standards. Clients praise ART for its after-sales support, with a team of technicians available 24/7 to troubleshoot issues—a lifeline for operations that can't afford downtime.
2. Wellington Eco-Equipment Solutions
Wellington Eco-Equipment Solutions (WEES) has made a name for itself by focusing on the fast-growing lithium battery recycling sector, a market driven by the surge in electric vehicles and portable electronics. "Lithium-ion batteries require specialized breaking and separating equipment to extract valuable metals like cobalt and nickel," says James Wilson, WEES's founder. "But without a reliable filter press to manage the water-based slurries in these processes, even the best separation systems fall short." WEES's filter press equipment is engineered for both dry and wet processes, making it versatile enough to pair with their li-ion battery recycling lines and circuit board recycling equipment.
What clients love about WEES is its commitment to customization. A small-scale recycler processing 500kg/hour might need a compact filter press, while a large facility handling 2000kg/hour could require a high-capacity, automated system. WEES tailors each solution to fit, and their in-house team provides training to ensure operators get the most out of their equipment. With a focus on energy efficiency, their machines also help clients reduce operational costs—a win-win for both the bottom line and the planet.
3. Christchurch Industrial Recyclers
Christchurch Industrial Recyclers (CIR) is a one-stop shop for recyclers who need more than just filter presses—think hydraulic briquetter equipment, plastic pneumatic conveying systems, and even scrap cable strippers. Founded in 2010, CIR prides itself on offering "equipment that works as hard as our clients do," according to operations manager Mike Patel. Their filter press range is no exception: built with heavy-duty materials, these machines are designed to withstand the grit of industrial recycling, from processing circuit boards to handling tailing ore extraction waste.
CIR's strength lies in its ability to integrate filter presses with auxiliary equipment, creating streamlined workflows. For example, a client in the lead acid battery sector might purchase a CIR filter press alongside a hydraulic briquetter to compact dried paste into manageable blocks, or a plastic pneumatic conveying system to move separated plastics to a secondary processing area. This integration saves clients time and money, eliminating the hassle of coordinating between multiple suppliers. CIR also offers flexible financing options, making it easier for small and medium-sized businesses to invest in high-quality equipment.
4. Hamilton Green Tech
Hamilton Green Tech (HGT) has carved a niche in the market by specializing in air pollution control system equipment, a critical component for any recycling plant looking to comply with New Zealand's environmental regulations. But HGT doesn't stop there—they've expanded their lineup to include filter press equipment that complements their air systems, ensuring clients have a comprehensive solution for both liquid and air waste. "You can't have a sustainable recycling operation if you're controlling air pollution but ignoring water contamination," notes environmental engineer Lisa Wong, HGT's technical advisor. "Our filter presses are often paired with our water process equipment to treat effluent, creating a fully compliant setup."
HGT's filter presses are particularly popular in the refrigerator and AC recycling sector, where the need to safely handle refrigerants and particulate matter is paramount. The company also offers dry process equipment for clients looking to minimize water usage, making it a versatile choice for diverse recycling needs. With a strong focus on research and development, HGT regularly updates its equipment to meet evolving industry standards, ensuring clients always have access to the latest technology.
5. Tauranga Battery Recycling Systems
Tauranga Battery Recycling Systems (TBRS) is a family-owned business that has grown from a small local supplier to a regional leader in lead acid and lithium battery recycling equipment. What makes TBRS stand out is its hands-on approach: the team often visits client sites to assess needs before recommending equipment, ensuring the filter press and systems are perfectly suited to the operation. "We once worked with a client who was struggling with low recovery rates in their lead acid battery line," recalls owner Tom Davis. "After evaluating their process, we realized their filter press was undersized—upgrading to a larger TBRS model increased their paste collection by 20%, boosting their profits significantly."
TBRS's filter presses are known for their user-friendly design, with intuitive controls that reduce training time for new operators. They also offer portable options, like the PHBM series of briquetter machines, for clients who need on-site processing capabilities. With a focus on durability, TBRS machines are built to last, and the company's parts department ensures quick replacements when needed—no more waiting weeks for overseas shipments. For recyclers who value reliability and personalized service, TBRS is a top choice.
6. Napier Circuit Board Solutions
Napier Circuit Board Solutions (NCBS) has made circuit board recycling its specialty, a complex process that involves separating metals like copper and gold from plastic and glass fibers. "Circuit boards are like treasure chests, but you need the right tools to unlock their value," says NCBS's technical lead, Emma Roberts. "Our dry process equipment uses air classification and electrostatic separation to recover metals, but the dust and fines generated require a filter press to keep the workspace clean and compliant." NCBS's filter presses are paired with their dry separators, creating a closed-loop system that minimizes waste and maximizes recovery.
NCBS caters to both small and large operations, with circuit board recycling plants ranging from 500kg/hour to 2000kg/hour capacity. Their filter presses are designed to handle the fine particulates from these processes, ensuring that even the smallest metal particles are captured. Clients appreciate NCBS's transparency—they provide detailed test reports showing recovery rates and efficiency, so businesses know exactly what to expect. With a focus on innovation, NCBS is currently developing a new compact granulator with a dry separator that integrates seamlessly with their filter presses, aimed at small-scale recyclers with limited space.
7. Dunedin Air & Water Technologies
Dunedin Air & Water Technologies (DAWT) is a pioneer in air pollution control system equipment, with a client list that includes some of New Zealand's largest recycling plants. But in recent years, they've expanded into filter press equipment, recognizing that air and water pollution control go hand in hand. "A recycling plant might have the best dust collector, but if its water treatment system is subpar, it's still harming the environment," explains DAWT's environmental consultant, Raj Patel. "Our filter presses are designed to work with our effluent treatment machines, ensuring that water discharged from the plant is clean and safe."
DAWT's filter presses are particularly popular in the motor recycling and refrigerator recycling sectors, where oil, coolants, and other contaminants complicate water treatment. Their machines efficiently separate these pollutants, allowing water to be reused in the process or safely discharged. DAWT also offers custom air pollution control systems for li battery recycling plants, addressing the unique emissions challenges of lithium processing. With a team of engineers on staff, DAWT can design turnkey solutions for clients, from initial assessment to installation and training.
8. Palmerston North Hydraulic Equipment Co.
Palmerston North Hydraulic Equipment Co. (PNHE) has been a staple in New Zealand's industrial equipment scene for over 30 years, with a focus on hydraulic machinery—think hydraulic press machines, balers, and cutters. But in recent years, they've leveraged their hydraulic expertise to develop top-tier filter presses. "Filter presses rely on hydraulic systems to apply pressure and separate solids from liquids," says PNHE's chief engineer, David Wilson. "Who better to build them than a company that's been perfecting hydraulics for decades?" PNHE's filter presses are known for their precision and durability, making them ideal for heavy-duty applications like metal melting furnace waste or cable recycling.
PNHE's clients range from small scrap yards to large mining operations, and their filter presses are designed to scale accordingly. A scrap cable stripper might generate small amounts of sludge, requiring a compact filter press, while a motor stator cutter could produce larger volumes, needing a high-capacity model. PNHE also offers maintenance services, ensuring their equipment stays in peak condition for years. For recyclers who value tried-and-true engineering, PNHE is a trusted partner.
9. New Plymouth Lithium Processing Ltd.
New Plymouth Lithium Processing Ltd. (NPL) is at the forefront of lithium ore extraction and tailing ore processing, sectors that are critical to New Zealand's green energy future. "Lithium is the backbone of batteries, but extracting it from ore or tailings requires efficient separation," says NPL's operations director, Zoe Thompson. "Our filter presses are key here—they dewater the slurry, leaving behind a dry cake that's rich in lithium, reducing the energy needed for further processing." NPL's filter presses are paired with their lithium crude ore processing plants and tailing ore extraction equipment, creating integrated solutions for miners and recyclers alike.
NPL's focus on innovation is evident in their use of advanced materials, like nano ceramic balls in their ball mills, which improve grinding efficiency and reduce wear. This attention to detail extends to their filter presses, which feature automated cake discharge and remote monitoring capabilities, allowing operators to adjust settings from a tablet or computer. For clients in remote areas, this remote functionality is a game-changer, reducing the need for on-site technicians. With a commitment to sustainability, NPL also offers dry process options for water-scarce regions, making their equipment accessible nationwide.
10. Queenstown Sustainable Systems
Queenstown Sustainable Systems (QSS) may be the smallest supplier on this list, but it's gained a loyal following for its custom, small-scale solutions. Specializing in equipment for niche recycling sectors—think lamp recycling machines, CRT recycling systems, and bulb eater equipment—QSS also offers compact filter presses tailored to these unique processes. "A lamp recycling plant might generate mercury-contaminated sludge, requiring a filter press with specialized materials to prevent leaks," explains QSS's founder, Rachel Green. "We don't just sell a generic machine; we build one that fits the specific needs of the job."
QSS's filter presses are designed with portability in mind, making them ideal for mobile recyclers or facilities with limited space. Their PHBM series of portable briquetter machines, for example, can be paired with a small filter press to process metal powders on-site, reducing transportation costs. QSS also prides itself on exceptional customer service, with Rachel and her team often personally delivering and setting up equipment. For small businesses or recyclers with unique needs, QSS proves that bigger isn't always better.
Choosing the right filter press supplier in New Zealand is about more than just buying a machine—it's about partnering with a company that understands your unique needs, whether you're processing lead acid batteries, lithium-ion cells, circuit boards, or something else entirely. The top 10 suppliers on this list stand out for their expertise, innovation, and commitment to sustainability, offering everything from end-to-end recycling systems to custom, small-scale solutions.
As New Zealand continues to embrace the circular economy, these suppliers will play a crucial role in turning waste into resources, reducing reliance on raw materials, and protecting the environment. So whether you're a seasoned recycler looking to upgrade your equipment or a new entrant to the industry, take the time to research these leaders—your operation's success depends on it.









