Let’s talk about something that’s been buzzing in the recycling world lately—printed circuit board (PCB) recycling. If you’re in the industry, you know PCBs are everywhere: in old computers, smartphones, TVs, you name it. They’re packed with valuable metals like gold, silver, and copper, but they also have toxic stuff that can harm the environment if not handled right. That’s where dry process PCB recycling comes in. Unlike wet processes that use chemicals or lots of water, dry methods rely on mechanical separation, electrostatic sorting, and air classification—cleaner, more efficient, and way easier to scale.
Now, if you’re looking to set up or upgrade a dry process line in North America, the first question is: which equipment supplier should you trust? With so many options out there, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. That’s why we’ve done the legwork for you. We talked to plant operators, checked industry reviews, and analyzed real-world performance data to narrow it down to the top 5 suppliers that stand out in 2025. These aren’t just companies selling machines—they’re partners who understand the unique challenges of PCB recycling in North America, from strict EPA regulations to the need for high metal recovery rates. Let’s dive in.
Now, if you’re looking to set up or upgrade a dry process line in North America, the first question is: which equipment supplier should you trust? With so many options out there, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. That’s why we’ve done the legwork for you. We talked to plant operators, checked industry reviews, and analyzed real-world performance data to narrow it down to the top 5 suppliers that stand out in 2025. These aren’t just companies selling machines—they’re partners who understand the unique challenges of PCB recycling in North America, from strict EPA regulations to the need for high metal recovery rates. Let’s dive in.
1. EcoCycle Solutions (Texas, USA)
If you’ve been around PCB recycling circles, you’ve probably heard of EcoCycle Solutions. Founded in 2010 in Austin, Texas, this company has built a reputation for reliable, high-capacity dry process systems. Their claim to fame? A
circuit board recycling plant with dry separator
that’s become a staple in mid-to-large-scale recycling facilities across the continent. Let’s break down what makes them stand out.
First off, capacity. Their flagship system boasts a processing range of 500-2000kg/hour —that’s no small feat. Whether you’re a regional recycler handling a steady stream of e-waste or a large operation processing tons of PCBs weekly, this plant can keep up. How do they pull that off? The system starts with a robust pre-shredder that breaks down PCBs into manageable chunks, followed by a granulator that grinds them into fine particles. Then comes the dry separator: a combination of air classification and electrostatic sorting that separates metals from non-metals with impressive precision.
What really sets EcoCycle apart, though, is their focus on recovery rates. We spoke to Mark, a plant manager at a Canadian recycling facility that installed their system last year. “Before EcoCycle, we were getting around 85% metal recovery from PCBs,” he told us. “Now? It’s consistently over 95%. And the purity of the copper and gold fractions is higher too—our smelter partners love it.” That’s a game-changer for profitability, especially when metal prices are fluctuating.
Another plus? Durability. PCBs are tough, with fiberglass and metal components that can wear down equipment quickly. EcoCycle uses hardened steel in their shredders and granulators, and their separator components are designed to last. “We run 10-hour shifts, 5 days a week, and we’ve only had to ｒｅｐｌａｃｅ a few wear parts in a year,” Mark added. “Maintenance is straightforward, and their tech support is responsive—no waiting days for a service rep.”
The only catch? This system isn’t cheap, and it needs space—you’re looking at around 1,200 square feet for the full setup. But if you’ve got the room and the volume, the ROI is hard to beat. EcoCycle also offers customization, so you can tweak the system to handle specific PCB types, like high-density boards from servers or smaller ones from mobile devices.
First off, capacity. Their flagship system boasts a processing range of 500-2000kg/hour —that’s no small feat. Whether you’re a regional recycler handling a steady stream of e-waste or a large operation processing tons of PCBs weekly, this plant can keep up. How do they pull that off? The system starts with a robust pre-shredder that breaks down PCBs into manageable chunks, followed by a granulator that grinds them into fine particles. Then comes the dry separator: a combination of air classification and electrostatic sorting that separates metals from non-metals with impressive precision.
What really sets EcoCycle apart, though, is their focus on recovery rates. We spoke to Mark, a plant manager at a Canadian recycling facility that installed their system last year. “Before EcoCycle, we were getting around 85% metal recovery from PCBs,” he told us. “Now? It’s consistently over 95%. And the purity of the copper and gold fractions is higher too—our smelter partners love it.” That’s a game-changer for profitability, especially when metal prices are fluctuating.
Another plus? Durability. PCBs are tough, with fiberglass and metal components that can wear down equipment quickly. EcoCycle uses hardened steel in their shredders and granulators, and their separator components are designed to last. “We run 10-hour shifts, 5 days a week, and we’ve only had to ｒｅｐｌａｃｅ a few wear parts in a year,” Mark added. “Maintenance is straightforward, and their tech support is responsive—no waiting days for a service rep.”
The only catch? This system isn’t cheap, and it needs space—you’re looking at around 1,200 square feet for the full setup. But if you’ve got the room and the volume, the ROI is hard to beat. EcoCycle also offers customization, so you can tweak the system to handle specific PCB types, like high-density boards from servers or smaller ones from mobile devices.
2. NorthStar Recycling Tech (Ontario, Canada)
Next up is NorthStar Recycling Tech, a Canadian player that’s been making waves with their focus on
dry process equipment
for smaller to mid-sized operations. Based in Toronto, they’ve carved out a niche by offering systems that balance performance and affordability—perfect if you’re just starting out or scaling up from a basic setup.
Their star product? The NS-DryLine, which centers around a single shaft shredder that’s built like a tank. Single shaft shredders are known for their versatility, and NorthStar’s version is no exception. It can handle whole PCBs (no need for pre-cutting) and even mixed e-waste with PCBs, like old motherboards and backplanes. The shredder’s adjustable blade settings let you control particle size, which is crucial for efficient separation later on. “We tested three different shredders before choosing NorthStar,” said Lisa, who runs a family-owned recycling business in upstate New York. “Their single shaft model was the only one that could handle our mix of PCBs without jamming—even when we fed it some really tough, multi-layer boards.”
The NS-DryLine pairs the shredder with a compact dry separator that uses air and magnetic sorting to pull out ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Capacity ranges from 200-800kg/hour, which is ideal for operations that don’t need the 2000kg/hour behemoths but still want reliable output. And unlike some systems that require constant operator oversight, NorthStar’s line is semi-automated. “We have one operator monitoring the whole line,” Lisa explained. “It self-adjusts if there’s a clog, and the touchscreen interface makes it easy to tweak settings. We went from two people running our old setup to one—big labor savings.”
What we love about NorthStar is their commitment to accessibility. They offer flexible financing options, which is a big help for small businesses. Plus, their systems are designed for easy installation. “We had the NS-DryLine up and running in three days,” Lisa said. “Their installation team was in and out, and they trained our staff thoroughly—no guesswork.”
If we had to nitpick, the recovery rate is slightly lower than EcoCycle’s—around 90-92%—but that’s still excellent for the price point. And for many recyclers, the trade-off between cost and performance is worth it. NorthStar also has a strong focus on customer support, with a toll-free line and online troubleshooting guides that Lisa called “a lifesaver during busy seasons.”
Their star product? The NS-DryLine, which centers around a single shaft shredder that’s built like a tank. Single shaft shredders are known for their versatility, and NorthStar’s version is no exception. It can handle whole PCBs (no need for pre-cutting) and even mixed e-waste with PCBs, like old motherboards and backplanes. The shredder’s adjustable blade settings let you control particle size, which is crucial for efficient separation later on. “We tested three different shredders before choosing NorthStar,” said Lisa, who runs a family-owned recycling business in upstate New York. “Their single shaft model was the only one that could handle our mix of PCBs without jamming—even when we fed it some really tough, multi-layer boards.”
The NS-DryLine pairs the shredder with a compact dry separator that uses air and magnetic sorting to pull out ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Capacity ranges from 200-800kg/hour, which is ideal for operations that don’t need the 2000kg/hour behemoths but still want reliable output. And unlike some systems that require constant operator oversight, NorthStar’s line is semi-automated. “We have one operator monitoring the whole line,” Lisa explained. “It self-adjusts if there’s a clog, and the touchscreen interface makes it easy to tweak settings. We went from two people running our old setup to one—big labor savings.”
What we love about NorthStar is their commitment to accessibility. They offer flexible financing options, which is a big help for small businesses. Plus, their systems are designed for easy installation. “We had the NS-DryLine up and running in three days,” Lisa said. “Their installation team was in and out, and they trained our staff thoroughly—no guesswork.”
If we had to nitpick, the recovery rate is slightly lower than EcoCycle’s—around 90-92%—but that’s still excellent for the price point. And for many recyclers, the trade-off between cost and performance is worth it. NorthStar also has a strong focus on customer support, with a toll-free line and online troubleshooting guides that Lisa called “a lifesaver during busy seasons.”
3. GreenMech Systems (California, USA)
California’s GreenMech Systems is all about innovation—and their
compact granulator with dry separator
is proof of that. Founded by a team of engineers with backgrounds in materials science, GreenMech set out to solve a common problem: how to recycle PCBs efficiently in facilities with limited space. If you’re operating in a urban area where warehouse space comes at a premium, this is the supplier to watch.
Let’s talk size first. Their compact granulator with dry separator is a marvel of engineering—it combines granulation and separation into a single unit that’s about the size of a large pickup truck. That’s a fraction of the footprint of traditional multi-stage systems. “We’re in downtown LA, so space is everything,” said Raj, who runs an e-waste recycling hub. “GreenMech’s system takes up less than 400 square feet, which let us add a PCB line without expanding our facility. It’s like having a mini-recycling plant in a corner.”
Don’t let the small size fool you, though—this system can still process 150-500kg/hour, which is more than enough for many small to mid-sized recyclers. The granulator uses a unique blade design that minimizes dust (a common issue with dry processes) while ensuring uniform particle size. The integrated dry separator uses a combination of vibration and air flow to separate metals, and it’s surprisingly effective. “We were worried that a compact system might skimp on recovery,” Raj admitted. “But we’re getting 93% recovery on average, and the non-metal fraction is so clean we can sell it as fiberglass aggregate for construction. It’s a win-win.”
GreenMech also stands out for their focus on energy efficiency. Their system uses variable frequency drives (VFDs) that adjust power usage based on load, cutting down on electricity costs. “Our utility bills dropped by about 20% compared to our old, less efficient setup,” Raj noted. “And since it’s a closed-loop system, there’s minimal dust escape—important for meeting California’s strict air quality regulations.”
The downside? At the higher end of its capacity range (500kg/hour), the system can get a bit warm, so you’ll need good ventilation. And while it handles standard PCBs like a champ, it struggles with extremely thick or heavily populated boards (think old industrial control panels). But for most e-waste PCBs—laptops, phones, TVs—this system is a rockstar. GreenMech also offers a mobile version for on-site processing, which is a hit with companies that need to recycle PCBs at multiple locations.
Let’s talk size first. Their compact granulator with dry separator is a marvel of engineering—it combines granulation and separation into a single unit that’s about the size of a large pickup truck. That’s a fraction of the footprint of traditional multi-stage systems. “We’re in downtown LA, so space is everything,” said Raj, who runs an e-waste recycling hub. “GreenMech’s system takes up less than 400 square feet, which let us add a PCB line without expanding our facility. It’s like having a mini-recycling plant in a corner.”
Don’t let the small size fool you, though—this system can still process 150-500kg/hour, which is more than enough for many small to mid-sized recyclers. The granulator uses a unique blade design that minimizes dust (a common issue with dry processes) while ensuring uniform particle size. The integrated dry separator uses a combination of vibration and air flow to separate metals, and it’s surprisingly effective. “We were worried that a compact system might skimp on recovery,” Raj admitted. “But we’re getting 93% recovery on average, and the non-metal fraction is so clean we can sell it as fiberglass aggregate for construction. It’s a win-win.”
GreenMech also stands out for their focus on energy efficiency. Their system uses variable frequency drives (VFDs) that adjust power usage based on load, cutting down on electricity costs. “Our utility bills dropped by about 20% compared to our old, less efficient setup,” Raj noted. “And since it’s a closed-loop system, there’s minimal dust escape—important for meeting California’s strict air quality regulations.”
The downside? At the higher end of its capacity range (500kg/hour), the system can get a bit warm, so you’ll need good ventilation. And while it handles standard PCBs like a champ, it struggles with extremely thick or heavily populated boards (think old industrial control panels). But for most e-waste PCBs—laptops, phones, TVs—this system is a rockstar. GreenMech also offers a mobile version for on-site processing, which is a hit with companies that need to recycle PCBs at multiple locations.
4. CleanAir Environmental (New York, USA)
When people think of PCB recycling equipment, they often focus on shredders and separators—but there’s another critical piece of the puzzle: air pollution control. That’s where CleanAir Environmental comes in. Based in Rochester, New York, this company has been a leader in
air pollution control system equipment
for decades, and they’ve tailored their offerings specifically for dry process PCB recycling. Why does this matter? Dry processes generate dust, and PCBs can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when shredded. Without proper controls, you’re looking at health risks for workers and potential violations of EPA or OSHA standards.
CleanAir’s systems are designed to work seamlessly with dry process lines from any supplier, but they’re particularly popular with EcoCycle and NorthStar users. Their flagship product, the PCA-5000, is a multi-stage air filtration system that captures dust, fumes, and VOCs. Here’s how it works: first, a cyclone separator catches large dust particles. Then, a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter traps fine particles down to 0.3 microns. Finally, a catalytic converter breaks down VOCs into harmless CO2 and water vapor. “We installed the PCA-5000 when we upgraded to EcoCycle’s system,” Mark (from the Canadian plant we mentioned earlier) told us. “Before, we had basic dust collectors, but the air still felt ‘heavy’ in the processing area. Now? You can barely tell the line is running—no more dust on surfaces, no more complaints from workers about irritation.”
What makes CleanAir’s systems stand out is their adaptability. They’re not one-size-fits-all—they’ll assess your specific process (shredder type, capacity, PCB mix) and design a system that matches your needs. For example, if you’re processing a lot of old PCBs with leaded solder, they’ll add a specialized filter for lead dust. If you’re in a region with strict VOC regulations (looking at you, California), they’ll beef up the catalytic converter. “Their team spent two days at our facility, testing air quality and watching our process, before recommending a system,” said Sarah, an environmental compliance officer at a New York recycler. “The result? We passed our last EPA inspection with zero violations, and our workers’ compensation claims related to respiratory issues have dropped to zero.”
Another big plus is durability. Filter replacements are straightforward, and the system is built to run 24/7 if needed. “We’ve had our PCA-5000 for three years, and we’ve only replaced the HEPA filters twice,” Sarah added. “CleanAir sends reminders when maintenance is due, and their replacement parts ship quickly—no downtime waiting for filters.”
Is a CleanAir system necessary? If you’re serious about compliance, worker safety, and community relations (no one wants a recycling plant spewing dust), then yes. It’s an investment, but the cost of fines or a damaged reputation is far higher. Plus, many states now require advanced air pollution control for e-waste recycling facilities, so it’s often a legal must-have.
CleanAir’s systems are designed to work seamlessly with dry process lines from any supplier, but they’re particularly popular with EcoCycle and NorthStar users. Their flagship product, the PCA-5000, is a multi-stage air filtration system that captures dust, fumes, and VOCs. Here’s how it works: first, a cyclone separator catches large dust particles. Then, a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter traps fine particles down to 0.3 microns. Finally, a catalytic converter breaks down VOCs into harmless CO2 and water vapor. “We installed the PCA-5000 when we upgraded to EcoCycle’s system,” Mark (from the Canadian plant we mentioned earlier) told us. “Before, we had basic dust collectors, but the air still felt ‘heavy’ in the processing area. Now? You can barely tell the line is running—no more dust on surfaces, no more complaints from workers about irritation.”
What makes CleanAir’s systems stand out is their adaptability. They’re not one-size-fits-all—they’ll assess your specific process (shredder type, capacity, PCB mix) and design a system that matches your needs. For example, if you’re processing a lot of old PCBs with leaded solder, they’ll add a specialized filter for lead dust. If you’re in a region with strict VOC regulations (looking at you, California), they’ll beef up the catalytic converter. “Their team spent two days at our facility, testing air quality and watching our process, before recommending a system,” said Sarah, an environmental compliance officer at a New York recycler. “The result? We passed our last EPA inspection with zero violations, and our workers’ compensation claims related to respiratory issues have dropped to zero.”
Another big plus is durability. Filter replacements are straightforward, and the system is built to run 24/7 if needed. “We’ve had our PCA-5000 for three years, and we’ve only replaced the HEPA filters twice,” Sarah added. “CleanAir sends reminders when maintenance is due, and their replacement parts ship quickly—no downtime waiting for filters.”
Is a CleanAir system necessary? If you’re serious about compliance, worker safety, and community relations (no one wants a recycling plant spewing dust), then yes. It’s an investment, but the cost of fines or a damaged reputation is far higher. Plus, many states now require advanced air pollution control for e-waste recycling facilities, so it’s often a legal must-have.
5. PowerPress Industries (Michigan, USA)
Rounding out our list is PowerPress Industries, a Michigan-based company that’s been perfecting
hydraulic press machines equipment
for over 30 years. You might be wondering: what does a hydraulic press have to do with dry PCB recycling? Great question. After separating metals from non-metals, you’re left with loose metal particles—copper, aluminum, gold flakes—that are bulky and hard to transport. Hydraulic presses compact these particles into dense briquettes or ingots, making them easier to ship to smelters and reducing transportation costs.
PowerPress’s PCB-specific hydraulic presses are designed with the unique needs of recycled metals in mind. Their PH-2000 model, for example, can handle up to 500kg of metal particles per hour, compressing them into briquettes that are 90% denser than loose material. “Before we had the PowerPress, we were shipping metal fractions in big bags that took up tons of space,” said Raj from the LA recycling hub. “Now, we briquette everything, and we’re using half the number of pallets. Our trucking costs dropped by 35%—that alone paid for the press in a year.”
What makes PowerPress’s presses ideal for PCB recycling? They’re gentle enough to handle fragile metal flakes (like gold and silver) without damaging them, but strong enough to compress tough copper particles. The presses have adjustable pressure settings, so you can tailor the briquettes to your smelter’s specifications—some prefer small, uniform briquettes, while others want larger ingots. They’re also easy to integrate into existing lines: the press can be placed right after the separator, with a conveyor feeding metal particles directly into the hopper.
Durability is another strong suit. PowerPress uses high-grade steel in their press chambers and pistons, and their hydraulic systems are known for reliability. “We run the press 8 hours a day, and we’ve never had a major breakdown,” Raj said. “The only maintenance is changing the hydraulic fluid every six months and checking the seals—simple stuff.”
One thing to note: PowerPress doesn’t offer full recycling lines, just the press. But that’s a strength—they focus on doing one thing really well. And they work with all the major dry process suppliers, so you can add their press to an EcoCycle, NorthStar, or GreenMech system without compatibility issues. If you’re serious about maximizing the value of your recycled metals, a PowerPress hydraulic press is a no-brainer.
PowerPress’s PCB-specific hydraulic presses are designed with the unique needs of recycled metals in mind. Their PH-2000 model, for example, can handle up to 500kg of metal particles per hour, compressing them into briquettes that are 90% denser than loose material. “Before we had the PowerPress, we were shipping metal fractions in big bags that took up tons of space,” said Raj from the LA recycling hub. “Now, we briquette everything, and we’re using half the number of pallets. Our trucking costs dropped by 35%—that alone paid for the press in a year.”
What makes PowerPress’s presses ideal for PCB recycling? They’re gentle enough to handle fragile metal flakes (like gold and silver) without damaging them, but strong enough to compress tough copper particles. The presses have adjustable pressure settings, so you can tailor the briquettes to your smelter’s specifications—some prefer small, uniform briquettes, while others want larger ingots. They’re also easy to integrate into existing lines: the press can be placed right after the separator, with a conveyor feeding metal particles directly into the hopper.
Durability is another strong suit. PowerPress uses high-grade steel in their press chambers and pistons, and their hydraulic systems are known for reliability. “We run the press 8 hours a day, and we’ve never had a major breakdown,” Raj said. “The only maintenance is changing the hydraulic fluid every six months and checking the seals—simple stuff.”
One thing to note: PowerPress doesn’t offer full recycling lines, just the press. But that’s a strength—they focus on doing one thing really well. And they work with all the major dry process suppliers, so you can add their press to an EcoCycle, NorthStar, or GreenMech system without compatibility issues. If you’re serious about maximizing the value of your recycled metals, a PowerPress hydraulic press is a no-brainer.
| Supplier | Core Dry Process Equipment | Capacity Range | Key Advantage | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EcoCycle Solutions | Circuit board recycling plant with dry separator | 500-2000kg/hour | High recovery rates (95%+), large-scale processing | Mid-to-large recyclers, high-volume e-waste |
| NorthStar Recycling Tech | Single shaft shredder + dry separator | 200-800kg/hour | Affordable, easy to install, semi-automated | Small-to-mid recyclers, budget-conscious operations |
| GreenMech Systems | Compact granulator with dry separator | 150-500kg/hour | Space-saving design, energy-efficient | Urban recyclers, facilities with limited space |
| CleanAir Environmental | Air pollution control system | N/A (works with all capacities) | Compliance with EPA/OSHA, worker safety | All dry process lines (paired with other suppliers) |
| PowerPress Industries | Hydraulic press machines | Up to 500kg/hour (metal briquetting) | Reduces transportation costs, dense briquettes | Any recycler processing metal fractions from PCBs |
So, there you have it—the top 5 dry process PCB recycling equipment suppliers in North America for 2025. Each brings something unique to the table: EcoCycle for high-capacity, high-recovery lines; NorthStar for affordable, user-friendly systems; GreenMech for space-saving innovation; CleanAir for keeping your operation compliant and safe; and PowerPress for maximizing the value of your recycled metals.
Choosing the right supplier depends on your specific needs. Ask yourself: What’s my processing volume? How much space do I have? What’s my budget? And what are my local regulations regarding emissions and waste? If you’re still unsure, reach out to the suppliers—most offer site visits or virtual demos where you can see their equipment in action.
One thing’s clear: dry process PCB recycling is here to stay, and these suppliers are leading the charge. With their equipment, you can turn e-waste into valuable resources while protecting the environment—now that’s a win for everyone. Here’s to cleaner, more efficient recycling in 2025 and beyond!
Choosing the right supplier depends on your specific needs. Ask yourself: What’s my processing volume? How much space do I have? What’s my budget? And what are my local regulations regarding emissions and waste? If you’re still unsure, reach out to the suppliers—most offer site visits or virtual demos where you can see their equipment in action.
One thing’s clear: dry process PCB recycling is here to stay, and these suppliers are leading the charge. With their equipment, you can turn e-waste into valuable resources while protecting the environment—now that’s a win for everyone. Here’s to cleaner, more efficient recycling in 2025 and beyond!
