Top 10 Water-Treated PCB Recycling Equipment Manufacturers

EcoRecycle Tech has been a trailblazer in e-waste recycling equipment since 2010, with a specific focus on water-based PCB processing. Headquartered in Singapore, this company has built a reputation for innovation, particularly with its flagship product: the circuit board recycling plant WCB-2000C with wet separator . Designed for high-volume operations, this system boasts a processing capacity of 2000kg per hour, making it ideal for large recycling facilities.

What sets EcoRecycle Tech apart is its advanced wet separation technology. The WCB-2000C uses a combination of hydraulic sorting, froth flotation, and water-based density separation to extract metals with惊人的 (stunning) efficiency—copper recovery rates of up to 99% and gold/silver recovery exceeding 95%. The system also features a closed-loop water circulation system, reducing water consumption by 70% compared to traditional wet processes. This not only cuts operational costs but also aligns with strict environmental regulations in Europe and North America.

With a global footprint spanning 40+ countries, EcoRecycle Tech has partnered with major recycling plants in Germany, the U.S., and China. Their after-sales support, including on-site training and 24/7 technical assistance, has earned them a 96% customer satisfaction rating.

Based in Munich, Germany, Green Circuit Solutions has been engineering eco-friendly recycling equipment since 2005. Specializing in compact, energy-efficient systems, they’ve become a favorite among mid-sized recyclers looking for reliable wet process equipment that doesn’t compromise on performance.

The company’s star product, the Compact Granulator with Dry Separator (though the “dry” here is paired with a supplementary wet cleaning module), is a hit for facilities with limited space. But their true water-treated gem is the PCB Wet Separation Module (PWSM-500), a modular system that can be integrated with existing shredders or purchased as a standalone unit. Designed for capacities of 500-1000kg/hour, the PWSM-500 uses low-pressure water jets to dislodge metal particles from plastic/glass fibers, followed by a series of hydrocyclones to separate different metal densities.

Green Circuit Solutions prides itself on sustainability. The PWSM-500’s water recycling system reduces freshwater usage to just 500 liters per ton of PCBs, and its low-energy pumps cut electricity costs by 30% compared to competitors. The company also offers custom solutions, recently developing a mobile version for clients in remote areas who need on-site PCB processing.

With certifications from the EU’s CE and RoHS, Green Circuit Solutions has become a trusted name in Europe, with recent expansions into Southeast Asia and Latin America.

AquaMetals Recovery Systems, based in California, U.S., takes a unique approach to water-treated PCB recycling: they focus on wet process equipment that prioritizes metal purity over sheer volume. Founded in 2015 by a team of metallurgical engineers, this company has made waves with its patented “AquaSep” technology, which uses mild, food-grade chemicals in water-based solutions to selectively dissolve precious metals from PCBs.

While many manufacturers rely on physical separation, AquaMetals’ process targets gold, silver, and palladium at the molecular level, resulting in metal purity levels of 99.99%—a boon for recyclers selling to refineries. Their flagship system, the ARS-1000, handles 500-1000kg of PCBs daily and includes a built-in electrolysis unit for metal plating, allowing operators to produce pure metal ingots on-site.

What really impresses clients is the system’s environmental profile. The AquaSep process uses non-toxic chemicals (think citric acid and sodium chloride) that are recycled within the closed-loop system, eliminating hazardous waste. The water is also treated and reused, with zero liquid discharge (ZLD) options available for facilities in water-scarce regions.

Though a newer player, AquaMetals has quickly gained traction in the U.S. and Canada, with plans to enter the European market in 2026.

WetTech Engineering, a China-based manufacturer with over 20 years of experience, is a powerhouse in high-capacity water-treated PCB recycling. Known for its robust, industrial-grade equipment, the company specializes in turnkey solutions for large-scale recycling plants, including the popular circuit board recycling equipment line, the WET-3000.

The WET-3000 is a beast of a system, processing up to 3000kg of PCBs per hour. It combines shredding, crushing, and wet separation in one seamless line: after initial shredding, PCBs are ground into fine particles and mixed with water to form a slurry. This slurry then passes through a series of vibrating screens and hydrocyclones to separate metals (copper, aluminum, iron) from non-metals (plastics, resins). The metal concentrate is then dried and sent to a smelter, while the non-metallic slurry is dewatered via filter press equipment for further processing.

WetTech Engineering’s edge lies in its cost-effectiveness. By optimizing every step of the process, the WET-3000 has a lower total cost of ownership (TCO) than many Western competitors, making it a top choice for emerging markets. The company also offers extensive after-sales support, with a global network of service centers and spare parts warehouses.

With installations in over 60 countries, including major projects in India, Brazil, and South Africa, WetTech Engineering is a global leader in making water-treated PCB recycling accessible to industrial-scale operations.

BlueCycle Systems, headquartered in the Netherlands, is all about sustainability and circular economy principles. Founded in 2012, this company designs water process equipment that not only recycles PCBs but also transforms waste into valuable resources. Their signature product, the BlueCycle 500, is a compact, all-in-one system designed for small to medium recyclers (processing 200-500kg/hour).

The BlueCycle 500 uses a two-stage wet process: first, a “water jet fragmentation” step where high-pressure water (up to 3000 psi) breaks down PCBs into small particles without generating dust (a common issue with dry shredding). Then, a gravity separation tank uses water density to separate metals (which sink) from non-metals (which float). The system also includes a wet process equipment module for removing solder and coating residues, ensuring clean metal output.

What makes BlueCycle stand out is its focus on byproduct utilization. The non-metallic fraction, after drying, is turned into “EcoBoard,” a low-cost composite material used in furniture, construction panels, and even acoustic tiles. This adds an extra revenue stream for recyclers, turning waste into profit.

With clients across Europe, Australia, and Japan, BlueCycle Systems has become a go-to for recyclers who want to prioritize sustainability without sacrificing efficiency.

HydroMet Solutions, based in Canada, brings a scientific approach to water-treated PCB recycling. Founded by a team of environmental scientists and engineers, this company specializes in wet process equipment that balances high recovery rates with minimal environmental impact. Their flagship system, the HydroSep Pro, is designed for precision—perfect for recyclers handling PCBs with high concentrations of precious metals (like those from aerospace or medical devices).

The HydroSep Pro uses a combination of ultrasonic cleaning and water-based leaching to extract metals. First, PCBs are shredded and submerged in a water bath where ultrasonic waves dislodge contaminants. Then, a mild, pH-neutral solution (patented by HydroMet) selectively dissolves gold, silver, and palladium, leaving base metals like copper intact for separate recovery. The dissolved precious metals are then precipitated out using electrolysis, resulting in pure metal powders ready for refining.

What clients love most is the system’s flexibility. The HydroSep Pro can be configured to target specific metals, and its small footprint (just 200 sq ft) makes it suitable for lab-scale operations or as a supplementary unit in larger facilities. HydroMet also offers on-site testing services, where their team analyzes a sample of your PCBs and recommends the optimal process settings for maximum recovery.

With certifications from ISO 14001 and the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, HydroMet Solutions has built a loyal customer base in North America and is expanding into Europe and the Middle East.

PCB WaterTech, a South Korean manufacturer established in 2008, has made a name for itself with innovative, low-maintenance circuit board recycling equipment . Focused on user experience, this company designs systems that are easy to operate, even for teams with limited technical expertise—without compromising on performance.

Their best-selling product, the WaterTech 800, is a mid-range system (800kg/hour capacity) that simplifies wet recycling with a plug-and-play design. It includes a pre-shredder, wet separator, and filter press equipment in a single, skid-mounted unit that can be installed in under a week. The wet separation process uses density-based sorting in a series of water tanks, with adjustable baffles that let operators fine-tune separation for different PCB types (e.g., thick industrial PCBs vs. thin smartphone boards).

PCB WaterTech also excels in automation. The WaterTech 800 features a touchscreen control panel with pre-programmed settings for common PCB materials, reducing the learning curve for new operators. The system also includes self-cleaning filters and automatic lubrication, cutting maintenance time by 50% compared to similar equipment.

With a strong presence in Asia, PCB WaterTech has recently entered the European market, partnering with recycling associations in Germany and France to promote sustainable e-waste processing.

CleanCircuit Machinery, based in Italy, is a leader in eco-conscious wet process equipment for PCB recycling. With a heritage in mechanical engineering dating back to 1975, this family-owned company combines traditional craftsmanship with modern technology to create durable, high-performance systems.

Their flagship product, the CleanCircuit X5, is a high-end system designed for premium metal recovery. It uses a multi-stage wet process: after shredding, PCBs are ground into a fine powder and mixed with water to form a slurry. The slurry is then passed through a centrifuge that separates metals based on density, followed by a magnetic separator to remove iron. The remaining non-metallic slurry is treated with a flocculant to clump particles together, which are then dewatered using a filter press equipment with automatic cake discharge.

What sets CleanCircuit apart is its attention to detail. Every component is built to last—their shredder blades, for example, are made from hardened steel and can process up to 100 tons of PCBs before needing replacement. The company also offers custom paint and branding options, a small touch that resonates with clients who want their facilities to reflect their commitment to quality.

With clients in over 30 countries, including luxury brands in Switzerland and high-tech manufacturers in Japan, CleanCircuit Machinery proves that sustainability and performance can go hand in hand.

Pacific Recycling Equipment (PRE), headquartered in Australia, specializes in rugged water process equipment built to withstand harsh operating conditions. Whether you’re in the dusty outback or a humid coastal region, PRE’s systems are designed to perform reliably with minimal downtime.

Their top-selling system, the PRE-1500, is a workhorse with a 1500kg/hour capacity, ideal for mining and industrial recycling operations. It features a heavy-duty shredder with replaceable teeth, a water-based separation tank with adjustable water flow, and a robust filter press equipment that can handle high-solids slurries. The system also includes a weatherproof control panel, making it suitable for outdoor installations.

PRE’s claim to fame is its “no-frills” durability. Clients in remote areas appreciate the system’s low maintenance needs—most components can be serviced on-site with basic tools—and its ability to run on generator power for off-grid operations. The company also offers a unique “swap-out” program, where they ｒｅｐｌａｃｅ worn parts with refurbished ones at a fraction of the cost of new components.

With a focus on reliability and customer support, PRE has carved out a niche in markets where equipment durability is non-negotiable.

Rounding out our list is Global Water Recovery (GWR), a U.S.-based manufacturer with a global vision. Founded in 2012, GWR specializes in wet process equipment that integrates seamlessly with existing recycling lines, making it easy for facilities to upgrade without overhauling their entire operation.

GWR’s most popular product is the GWR Modular Wet Separator, a compact unit that can be added to any shredding or crushing line to add water-based metal separation. Available in three sizes (300kg/hour, 500kg/hour, and 1000kg/hour), this unit uses a simple yet effective density separation process: water is added to the shredded PCB material, and a rotating drum separates metals (which fall through perforations) from non-metals (which are carried out by the drum’s rotation). The metal fraction is then rinsed and dried, while the non-metallic fraction is sent to a filter press equipment for dewatering.

What makes GWR stand out is its focus on accessibility. The Modular Wet Separator is priced 30% lower than most all-in-one systems, making it a great entry point for small recyclers looking to switch from dry to wet processing. The company also offers financing options and a 30-day trial period, giving clients peace of mind before committing.

With clients in over 50 countries, GWR is proof that eco-friendly recycling equipment can be both affordable and accessible to all.