Top 10 Industrial Water-Based PCB Recycling Equipment Manufacturers, 2024

Founded in 2005, EcoCircuit Systems has grown from a local Chinese startup to a global leader in wet process PCB recycling. What sets them apart? Their focus on high-capacity, energy-efficient systems. Take their flagship product, the 2000kg/hour circuit board recycling plant WCB-2000C. This beast uses a combination of wet process equipment and advanced water process equipment to handle up to 2 tons of PCBs per hour—ideal for large recycling facilities. But it’s not just about speed; the WCB-2000C boasts a metal recovery rate of 98%, thanks to its multi-stage separation process: shredding, grinding, and then froth flotation to separate copper, gold, and other metals from resin and fiberglass.

Customers rave about their after-sales support. “We installed the WCB-2000C last year, and the team at EcoCircuit provided on-site training for our operators and even helped optimize our workflow,” says Maria Gonzalez, operations manager at a European e-waste recycler. With a presence in over 40 countries, including key markets in Europe, Southeast Asia, and North America, EcoCircuit is a safe bet for businesses looking for reliability and scale.

When it comes to precision and environmental compliance, GreenTech Recyclers from Germany is hard to beat. Founded in 2010, this family-owned company specializes in compact, modular wet process equipment designed for small to medium-sized recyclers. Their best-seller, the PCB-500 Wet Separator, handles 500kg/hour and is certified by the EU’s strict CE standards—no small feat for water-based systems. What makes the PCB-500 stand out? Its closed-loop water system, which recycles 95% of the water used in the process, drastically reducing operational costs and environmental impact.

GreenTech’s focus on sustainability extends beyond their equipment. They use food-grade additives in their flotation process, ensuring no toxic chemicals end up in wastewater. “As a recycler in Germany, we’re under constant pressure to meet strict环保 (environmental) laws,” says Hans Müller, owner of a Berlin-based e-waste facility. “GreenTech’s system not only meets those laws but also helps us market our recycled metals as ‘clean’ to buyers.” With a strong focus on Europe and expanding into Australia, GreenTech is perfect for businesses prioritizing compliance and eco-friendly operations.

American Circuit Recovery (ACR) has been a staple in the U.S. recycling industry since 1998, and their foray into water-based PCB recycling in 2015 has been a game-changer. Unlike many competitors, ACR designs its equipment with the North American market in mind—think rugged build quality to handle the region’s diverse e-waste streams, from old computer motherboards to high-density smartphone PCBs. Their flagship, the AquaSep 1000, is a mid-capacity system (1000kg/hour) that uses a unique “hydrocyclone” separation technology to separate metals without relying on harmful chemicals.

What customers love most is ACR’s customization options. “We needed a system that could handle both PCBs and small electronic components,” explains James Wilson, CEO of a U.S. recycling firm. “ACR modified the AquaSep 1000 to include a pre-shredder for smaller parts, and now we’re processing 30% more material than before.” With a network of service centers across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, ACR ensures quick turnaround for maintenance and repairs—critical for keeping operations running smoothly.

Japan’s Nippon Eco Solutions brings their legendary engineering precision to the world of PCB recycling. Founded in 2001, they’re known for innovative water process equipment that minimizes water usage—a big selling point in water-scarce regions. Their CompactGranulator series, for example, combines a dry separator with wet processing in a single unit, reducing water consumption by 40% compared to traditional wet systems. The CompactGranulator 300, which handles 300kg/hour, is a hit in Japan and Southeast Asia, where space is often limited.

“We operate in a small facility in Tokyo, so space is at a premium,” says Takashi Tanaka, owner of a Japanese recycling cooperative. “The CompactGranulator 300 fits in our warehouse and still delivers the same recovery rates as larger systems.” Nippon Eco also prioritizes automation; their systems come with touchscreen controls and remote monitoring, allowing operators to adjust settings from a smartphone. While their prices are on the higher side, customers say the investment pays off in lower labor costs and higher efficiency.

EuroRecycling Tech, based in Milan, Italy, has made a name for itself by blending Italian design with robust functionality. Founded in 2012, they specialize in turnkey wet process PCB recycling plants, meaning they handle everything from installation to staff training. Their most popular package, the EuroWet 1500, includes a shredder, grinder, flotation unit, and water treatment system—all in one integrated line. With a capacity of 1500kg/hour, it’s a favorite among mid-sized recyclers in Europe and South America.

What really impresses customers is the system’s user-friendliness. “Our team had no experience with wet processing before, but the EuroWet 1500’s interface is so intuitive that we were up and running in a week,” says Carlos Mendez, plant manager at a Brazilian recycling company. EuroRecycling Tech also offers flexible financing options, making their equipment accessible to businesses with tight budgets. With a focus on Latin America and Southern Europe, they’re a strong choice for region-specific support.

South Korea’s CleanCircuit Innovations is all about cutting-edge technology. Founded in 2014, this tech-driven company has filed over 20 patents for their wet process equipment, including a unique “electrostatic wet separation” method that uses electricity to enhance metal recovery. Their top model, the CCI-800, processes 800kg/hour and is particularly effective at recovering tiny gold particles from PCBs—something many systems struggle with. “We used to lose up to 5% of gold in the waste stream,” says Lee Joon-ho, owner of a Korean e-waste recycler. “With the CCI-800, that number dropped to less than 1%. The extra revenue from recovered gold paid for the machine in under a year.”

CleanCircuit also leads in sustainability. Their systems use biodegradable surfactants in the flotation process, and their water treatment units filter out 99% of contaminants, allowing water to be reused or safely discharged. While they’re relatively new to the global market, their innovative approach has earned them partnerships with major electronics manufacturers like Samsung, who use their equipment to recycle production waste.

For businesses on a budget, AquaRecycle Systems from India offers high-quality wet process equipment at a fraction of the cost of European or North American brands. Founded in Mumbai in 2011, they’ve carved a niche in emerging markets like India, Africa, and the Middle East by focusing on durability and low maintenance. Their best-selling model, the AR-300, is a compact 300kg/hour system designed for small recyclers. “We started with a shoestring budget and needed a machine that could handle daily use without breaking down,” says Raj Patel, owner of a Gujarat-based recycling startup. “The AR-300 has been running non-stop for three years, and we’ve only needed minor repairs.”

AquaRecycle doesn’t skimp on recovery rates, either. The AR-300 uses a simple but effective two-stage process: grinding PCBs into powder, then using gravity separation in water to separate metals. While it lacks some of the bells and whistles of pricier systems, it gets the job done. With local distributors in over 20 African countries, AquaRecycle is a go-to for businesses in regions where access to advanced technology is limited.

ProCycle Machinery, based in Ontario, Canada, is a relative newcomer (founded in 2018) but has quickly made a name for itself with its focus on modularity. Their systems are built like Lego blocks—you start with a base unit and add modules (like extra shredders or advanced water treatment) as your business grows. This flexibility is a hit with startups and expanding companies alike. Their entry-level model, the ProCycle Mini, handles 200kg/hour and costs 30% less than comparable fixed systems. “We started with the Mini and upgraded to the ProCycle 500 six months later by adding a grinding module,” says Sarah Johnson, founder of a Canadian e-waste startup. “ProCycle even bought back some of our old parts, which helped offset the cost.”

ProCycle also prioritizes energy efficiency. Their systems use variable-speed motors that adjust power usage based on the material being processed, cutting electricity costs by up to 25%. With a focus on North America and the UK, they’re known for their fast shipping and responsive customer service—key for businesses that can’t afford downtime.

Singapore’s TechWaste Solutions is all about urban recycling. Founded in 2012, they design compact wet process equipment specifically for cities with limited space. Their flagship, the UrbanRecycler 400, is a vertical system that takes up just 100 square feet—perfect for recycling facilities in high-rise industrial buildings. “In Singapore, land is expensive, so we needed a system that could fit in our small warehouse,” says Tan Wei Ming, operations director at a local recycler. “The UrbanRecycler 400 stands tall instead of wide, and it still processes 400kg/hour.”

TechWaste also integrates smart technology. Their systems connect to a cloud platform that tracks key metrics like recovery rates, water usage, and maintenance needs. “I can check our daily output from my phone,” Tan adds. “If something’s off, the system sends an alert before it becomes a problem.” With a focus on Southeast Asia’s urban centers, TechWaste is ideal for businesses operating in tight spaces.

Rounding out our list is GlobalEco Machinery, a U.S.-based manufacturer with a global footprint. Founded in 2008, they specialize in turnkey solutions for large-scale recycling plants, including not just PCB recycling but also配套 (supporting) equipment like water treatment systems and metal refining units. Their crown jewel, the MegaCycle 5000, is a behemoth that processes 5000kg/hour—yes, 5 tons per hour—making it the go-to for industrial giants. “We handle e-waste from across the Midwest, and the MegaCycle 5000 is the only system that can keep up with our volume,” says Robert Chen, CEO of a U.S.-based recycling corporation.

GlobalEco’s strength lies in integration. They don’t just sell you a PCB recycler; they design an entire recycling ecosystem, from shredding incoming e-waste to refining recovered metals into pure ingots. While their systems come with a hefty price tag (often over $1 million), the ROI is quick for high-volume operations. With offices in the U.S., China, and the UAE, GlobalEco is a top choice for multinational recycling companies.