Top 10 Water Treatment Circuit Board Recycling Equipment Suppliers in Europe in 2025

Founded in Berlin in 2008, EcoRecycleTech has grown from a small startup to a European leader in circular economy solutions. What sets them apart? A laser focus on integrating water treatment directly into circuit board recycling lines, ensuring that every ｄｒｏｐ of water used is either recycled or treated to near-potable standards before discharge.

Their flagship offering, the WCBD-2000A Circuit Board Recycling Plant , is a game-changer. With a capacity of 500–2000 kg/hour, this system combines dry process equipment for initial shredding and metal separation with a modular water treatment unit. The latter uses a multi-stage filtration process, including a high-pressure filter press to capture sludge and heavy metals, ensuring that wastewater is 95% reusable within the plant. “We worked with a electronics recycler in Hamburg that cut their water bills by 60% after installing the WCBD-2000A,” says Markus Keller, EcoRecycleTech’s sales director. “They also reduced their carbon footprint by reusing treated water instead of drawing from the municipal supply.”

With clients across 12 European countries, including industry giants like Siemens and ASML, EcoRecycleTech’s commitment to sustainability is evident in their ISO 14001 certification and partnerships with the European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform. As Keller puts it: “We don’t just build equipment—we build trust. Our clients know that choosing us means meeting EU regulations today and tomorrow.”

Based in Rotterdam, AquaCycle Solutions has made a name for itself by specializing in water process equipment tailored for small to mid-sized recycling facilities. Founded in 2012 by a team of environmental engineers, the company recognized a gap in the market: while large plants could afford complex water treatment, smaller operations were struggling to comply with EU standards. AquaCycle’s answer? Compact, scalable systems that deliver big-plant performance without the big-plant price tag.

Their bestseller, the “AquaMini Filter Press,” is a case in point. This portable filter press equipment is designed to work seamlessly with small-scale circuit board recycling lines, handling up to 500 kg/hour of material. Unlike traditional filter presses, which require extensive installation, the AquaMini can be set up in under a day and operated via a user-friendly touchscreen. “We tested it with a family-run recycler in Poland,” says Lotte Janssen, AquaCycle’s product manager. “They were on the verge of shutting down due to high water treatment costs. Now, they’re not only compliant but also selling their recycled water to a nearby car wash—turning a cost center into a revenue stream.”

AquaCycle also shines in wet process equipment , particularly their “BioClean Water System,” which uses natural bacteria to break down organic contaminants in wastewater. This reduces reliance on harsh chemicals, aligning with the EU’s REACH regulation. “Our systems are like a Swiss Army knife for water treatment,” Janssen adds. “Whether you need to remove heavy metals, oils, or suspended solids, we’ve got a module for that.”

With a 98% client retention rate and expansion into France and Spain in 2024, AquaCycle is proving that sustainability doesn’t have to be exclusive. As Janssen puts it: “Circular economy isn’t just for multinationals. Every recycler, no matter how small, deserves the tools to do right by the planet—and their bottom line.”

When RecycleWorks Italia was founded in Milan in 2005, its mission was simple: “Make recycling profitable for everyone.” Today, that mission has translated into a portfolio of equipment that balances efficiency, cost, and environmental responsibility—with a particular focus on dry process equipment to reduce water dependency. In a country where water scarcity is a growing concern, RecycleWorks’ dry separation technologies have made them a favorite among Italian recyclers.

Their flagship “DrySep Pro” system is a marvel of engineering. Using air classification, electrostatic separation, and magnetic sorting, the DrySep Pro can recover metals from circuit boards without a single ｄｒｏｐ of water. For recyclers who still need wet processing for finer separation, RecycleWorks pairs it with their “Dry-Wet Hybrid System,” which uses water process equipment for final cleaning but recycles 90% of the water used. “We worked with a recycler in Rome that switched from an all-wet process to our hybrid system and cut water use by 80%,” says Marco Rossi, RecycleWorks’ CEO. “They also reduced energy costs, since drying wet sludge is one of the most energy-intensive parts of recycling.”

With a focus on R&D—they invest 12% of annual revenue into innovation—RecycleWorks has also developed a “Smart Water Meter” that integrates with their equipment to track water usage, flag inefficiencies, and generate compliance reports for EU authorities. “In Italy, the environmental police (Guardia Ambientale) don’t mess around,” Rossi laughs. “Our clients sleep better knowing their water data is always audit-ready.”

Nordic Green Technologies (NGT) is proof that sustainability and cold climates can go hand in hand. Founded in Stockholm in 2010, NGT has leveraged Sweden’s expertise in clean tech to become a leader in energy-efficient water treatment for circuit board recycling. In a region where heating water is expensive, NGT’s systems are designed to minimize energy use—without sacrificing performance.

Their “Arctic Water Treatment Plant” is a standout. Built for large-scale recyclers processing 1000+ kg/hour of circuit boards, this system uses heat recovery technology to capture waste heat from shredders and dryers, using it to warm water for processing. Combined with their “LowFlow” wet process equipment , which uses 30% less water than conventional systems, the Arctic Plant reduces both energy and water costs by up to 40%. “We installed one in Helsinki last year,” says Ingrid Larsson, NGT’s sustainability director. “The client was shocked when their first utility bill came in—they saved enough to hire two new employees.”

NGT also excels in filter press equipment , with their “EcoPress X” featuring a unique membrane design that squeezes sludge more efficiently, reducing disposal costs. “Sludge is heavy, and transporting it to landfills is pricey,” Larsson explains. “Our EcoPress X reduces sludge volume by 50%, which adds up fast for big plants.”

With certifications from the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency and partnerships with IKEA’s e-waste recycling program, NGT is a poster child for Scandinavian sustainability. “We don’t just meet EU standards—we aim to set them,” Larsson says. “Because in the end, the planet doesn’t care about regulations. It cares about results.”

Paris-based GreenLine Systems has carved a niche by focusing on “turnkey” solutions—complete recycling lines that include everything from shredders to water treatment. Founded in 2011, the company prides itself on being a one-stop shop for recyclers, eliminating the hassle of coordinating multiple equipment suppliers. For circuit board recycling, this means seamless integration between dry process equipment , wet process systems , and water treatment—all under one roof.

Their “CircuitMaster 2000” line is a prime example. Starting with a high-speed shredder, the system uses dry air classification to separate plastics and metals, then employs a wet density separation step for finer particles. The wastewater from this step is treated on-site with GreenLine’s “PureFlow” water treatment unit, which includes a filter press and reverse osmosis system. “We installed a CircuitMaster 2000 for a recycler in Lyon that processes old smartphones,” says Pierre Dubois, GreenLine’s sales director. “They’re now recovering 99.9% of the gold from PCBs, and their water is so clean, they use it to water the office plants.”

GreenLine’s commitment to innovation is evident in their 2024 launch of “AI Water Monitor,” a software tool that predicts maintenance needs for water treatment equipment, reducing downtime by 30%. “Nothing kills a recycler’s profits like unexpected breakdowns,” Dubois notes. “AI Water Monitor sends alerts before issues arise—like a crystal ball for your equipment.”

With clients in over 20 countries and a recent contract with the French military to recycle obsolete electronics, GreenLine is proving that “convenience” and “sustainability” can go hand in hand. “Recycling is hard enough,” Dubois says. “We make it easier—so recyclers can focus on what they do best: saving the planet, one circuit board at a time.”

Based in Birmingham, HydroCycle UK has become a leader in water process equipment for niche recycling applications—including small-scale circuit board recycling. Founded in 2014, the company saw an opportunity to serve the UK’s growing network of community recycling centers and small businesses, which often lack the resources for large water treatment plants. HydroCycle’s solution? Portable, trailer-mounted systems that can be moved between sites.

Their “MobileWater Pro” is a hit. This compact unit includes a filter press , sedimentation tank, and UV disinfection system, all mounted on a trailer. It’s designed to work with HydroCycle’s “MiniShred” circuit board shredder, creating a mobile recycling station that can process up to 200 kg/hour of PCBs. “We tested it with a charity in Manchester that recycles old laptops for schools,” says Sarah Patel, HydroCycle’s founder. “They can now take the MobileWater Pro to e-waste collection events, process the boards on-site, and leave with clean water and recycled metals—no need for a fixed facility.”

HydroCycle also offers “DryAssist,” a dry process equipment add-on that uses biodegradable detergents to clean metals instead of water, ideal for areas with strict water restrictions. “In parts of the UK facing droughts, water isn’t just expensive—it’s unavailable,” Patel explains. “DryAssist lets recyclers keep working, even when the taps run dry.”

With funding from the UK’s Innovate UK program and a partnership with the Royal Society of Chemistry, HydroCycle is bridging the gap between big industry and grassroots recycling. “Sustainability isn’t about scale,” Patel says. “It’s about accessibility. Every small recycler doing their part adds up to a big impact.”

Nestled in Vienna’s tech district, CleanTech Austria has built its reputation on precision engineering—especially when it comes to filter press equipment . Founded in 2009 by a team of mechanical engineers, the company specializes in high-pressure filter presses that excel at separating fine particles, making them ideal for circuit board recycling, where sludge can contain tiny metal particles worth recovering.

Their “UltraPress HP” filter press is a masterpiece. With a pressure rating of 25 bar (360 psi)—far higher than the industry standard of 15 bar—the UltraPress HP squeezes sludge to a dryness level of 85%, compared to 70% for conventional presses. This not only reduces disposal costs but also allows recyclers to recover residual metals from the sludge. “A recycler in Graz was throwing away sludge that still had 2 grams of gold per ton,” says Karl Schmidt, CleanTech’s technical director. “With the UltraPress HP, they’re now extracting that gold—and it’s paying for the machine in under a year.”

CleanTech also integrates its filter presses with water process equipment like their “MultiClean” system, which uses ozone to disinfect water, eliminating the need for chlorine. “Chlorine is effective, but it’s toxic to aquatic life,” Schmidt notes. “Ozone breaks down into oxygen, so it’s safer for the environment—and better for our clients’ reputations.”

With clients in Germany, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic, CleanTech is a favorite among high-precision recyclers. “We don’t cut corners,” Schmidt says. “When you buy a CleanTech filter press, you’re buying 20 years of reliable performance. And in this industry, reliability is everything.”

Barcelona-based EcoFlow Spain has made waves with its focus on energy-efficient wet process equipment . Founded in 2013, the company recognized that while wet processes are effective for separating metals from circuit boards, they’re often energy hogs—especially when it comes to pumping and heating water. EcoFlow’s answer? Variable-speed pumps, solar-powered water heaters, and energy recovery systems that slash energy use by up to 50%.

Their “SolarWet” system is a standout. Equipped with solar panels and a thermal storage tank, the SolarWet uses sunlight to heat water for processing, reducing reliance on grid electricity. Combined with their “EcoPump” variable-speed pumps, which adjust flow rates based on demand, the system is perfect for sunny regions like Spain, Portugal, and Greece. “We installed one in Valencia last summer,” says Maria Gonzalez, EcoFlow’s marketing manager. “The client’s energy bill dropped by €2,000 per month—and that’s in a country with already low solar costs.”

EcoFlow also offers a “Dry-Wet Combo” line that pairs their dry process equipment with a small wet system for final cleaning, striking a balance between water and energy use. “Not every recycler needs a full wet process,” Gonzalez explains. “Our combo systems let them choose the right tool for the job—saving resources and money.”

With certifications from Spain’s Ministry for the Ecological Transition and a partnership with the Barcelona Supercomputing Center to optimize energy use, EcoFlow is proving that sustainability and profitability can coexist. “We don’t just sell equipment—we sell peace of mind,” Gonzalez says. “Our clients know they’re doing their part for the planet, and their wallets are thanking them too.”

RecoverX Germany, based in Düsseldorf, is all about innovation—specifically, finding ways to make circuit board recycling equipment more accessible to emerging markets in Eastern Europe and beyond. Founded in 2016, the company has developed modular systems that can be shipped in containers and assembled on-site, eliminating the need for expensive custom infrastructure.

Their “ModuLine” series is a game-changer. Each ModuLine unit is a self-contained recycling cell, including a shredder, separator, and water process equipment —all designed to fit in a 20-foot shipping container. Recyclers can start with one unit (processing 300 kg/hour) and add more as they grow. “We sent three ModuLine units to a recycler in Poland last year,” says Jan Weber, RecoverX’s export director. “They were up and running in two weeks, compared to the six months it would have taken for a traditional plant. Now, they’re expanding to Hungary—all with ModuLine.”

RecoverX also prioritizes user-friendliness, with their equipment featuring touchscreen controls and remote monitoring via a mobile app. “Many of our clients in Eastern Europe don’t have teams of engineers,” Weber explains. “Our app lets them troubleshoot issues with a tap—or call our support team, who can log in remotely and fix problems in real time.”

With a focus on affordability and scalability, RecoverX is democratizing access to sustainable recycling technology. “The circular economy shouldn’t be limited to wealthy countries,” Weber says. “Every recycler, no matter where they are, deserves the tools to turn e-waste into resources. That’s the future we’re building.”

Rounding out our list is BlueGreen Solutions, a Copenhagen-based company that’s redefining “green” with its carbon-neutral manufacturing and renewable energy-powered equipment. Founded in 2010, BlueGreen doesn’t just make sustainable recycling equipment—it makes it sustainably, using 100% wind energy in its factories and recycled steel in its machines.

Their “WindPowered” filter press equipment is a testament to this mission. While the press itself doesn’t run on wind, it’s manufactured in a wind-powered facility, and BlueGreen offsets 150% of its carbon footprint through reforestation projects in Denmark. “We don’t just claim to be carbon neutral—we’re carbon negative,” says Lars Nielsen, BlueGreen’s CEO. “For every filter press we sell, we plant 100 trees. It’s our way of giving back.”

BlueGreen’s “PureCycle” water treatment system is equally impressive, using biodegradable flocculants to clarify water and recover metals. “Most flocculants are synthetic and can harm aquatic life,” Nielsen explains. “Ours are made from natural starches—so even if a little leaks, it’s harmless.”

With clients like LEGO and Maersk, BlueGreen is proving that sustainability sells. “We’re not the cheapest option on the market,” Nielsen admits. “But our clients know they’re investing in a future where recycling is part of the solution, not part of the problem. And that’s priceless.”