Let’s face it—electronic waste is piling up faster than ever. From old smartphones to discarded laptops, the circuit boards inside these devices are packed with valuable metals like gold, silver, and copper, but they also contain toxic substances that can leach into soil and water if not handled properly. That’s where circuit board recycling equipment comes in, and at the heart of making this process safe and efficient? Water treatment systems. Without reliable water process equipment, recycling plants risk polluting local water sources with heavy metals and chemicals, which is why choosing the right supplier matters so much. South Korea, a global leader in tech innovation, has emerged as a hub for companies that excel in both circuit board recycling tech and the water treatment solutions that keep these operations green. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the top 5 suppliers in South Korea for 2025, exploring what makes each one stand out, their key products, and how they’re shaping the future of sustainable e-waste recycling. Whether you’re running a large-scale recycling facility or a smaller operation, these companies offer the tools you need to turn e-waste into valuable resources—without harming the planet.
1. Samsung Recycling Tech
When you hear “Samsung,” you probably think of smartphones and TVs, but their recycling tech division is quietly leading the charge in circuit board recycling equipment. Samsung Recycling Tech, established in 2010, was born out of the company’s commitment to closing the loop on electronic waste—after all, who better to solve the problem of e-waste than one of the world’s biggest electronics manufacturers? What really sets them apart is their all-in-one approach: they don’t just sell you a machine; they provide a complete system that includes everything from shredders to water process equipment, ensuring seamless integration and maximum efficiency.
Let’s talk specifics. Their flagship product, the “EcoCycle WCB-2000C,” is a circuit board recycling plant designed for medium to large-scale operations, with a capacity of 2000kg per hour. What makes this system unique is its hybrid design, combining both wet process and dry process equipment. The dry process handles initial shredding and separation of plastics, while the wet process—powered by their advanced water treatment module—takes over to extract metals like gold and copper from the remaining slurry. The water treatment part here is a game-changer: it uses a multi-stage filtration system with activated carbon and reverse osmosis to remove over 99% of heavy metals, including lead and mercury, before the water is recycled back into the system. This not only cuts down on water usage (a huge plus for sustainability) but also ensures compliance with South Korea’s strict environmental regulations, which are among the toughest in the world.
One of their recent projects really highlights their expertise. They partnered with a major recycling plant in Busan, supplying a complete EcoCycle system that processes over 50 tons of circuit boards monthly. The plant reported a 30% reduction in water consumption and a 25% increase in metal recovery rates compared to their old setup. “Samsung’s water treatment module was the star here,” said the plant manager in a recent interview. “We used to struggle with meeting discharge standards, but now we’re not just meeting them—we’re exceeding them, and saving money on water bills too.”
What else makes Samsung Recycling Tech a top pick? Their focus on automation. The EcoCycle system comes with a user-friendly touchscreen interface that lets operators monitor every step of the process, from shredding to water filtration, in real time. If something goes wrong—like a spike in heavy metal levels in the water—the system automatically adjusts settings or alerts maintenance, minimizing downtime. Plus, their after-sales support is second to none: they offer 24/7 technical assistance and regular maintenance check-ups, ensuring your equipment runs smoothly for years. For large facilities looking for reliability and cutting-edge tech, Samsung is hard to beat.
Let’s talk specifics. Their flagship product, the “EcoCycle WCB-2000C,” is a circuit board recycling plant designed for medium to large-scale operations, with a capacity of 2000kg per hour. What makes this system unique is its hybrid design, combining both wet process and dry process equipment. The dry process handles initial shredding and separation of plastics, while the wet process—powered by their advanced water treatment module—takes over to extract metals like gold and copper from the remaining slurry. The water treatment part here is a game-changer: it uses a multi-stage filtration system with activated carbon and reverse osmosis to remove over 99% of heavy metals, including lead and mercury, before the water is recycled back into the system. This not only cuts down on water usage (a huge plus for sustainability) but also ensures compliance with South Korea’s strict environmental regulations, which are among the toughest in the world.
One of their recent projects really highlights their expertise. They partnered with a major recycling plant in Busan, supplying a complete EcoCycle system that processes over 50 tons of circuit boards monthly. The plant reported a 30% reduction in water consumption and a 25% increase in metal recovery rates compared to their old setup. “Samsung’s water treatment module was the star here,” said the plant manager in a recent interview. “We used to struggle with meeting discharge standards, but now we’re not just meeting them—we’re exceeding them, and saving money on water bills too.”
What else makes Samsung Recycling Tech a top pick? Their focus on automation. The EcoCycle system comes with a user-friendly touchscreen interface that lets operators monitor every step of the process, from shredding to water filtration, in real time. If something goes wrong—like a spike in heavy metal levels in the water—the system automatically adjusts settings or alerts maintenance, minimizing downtime. Plus, their after-sales support is second to none: they offer 24/7 technical assistance and regular maintenance check-ups, ensuring your equipment runs smoothly for years. For large facilities looking for reliability and cutting-edge tech, Samsung is hard to beat.
2. LG Eco Solutions
LG is another household name in electronics, but their Eco Solutions division has been making waves in the recycling equipment space with a focus on flexibility and innovation. Founded in 2015, LG Eco Solutions set out to create equipment that works for both large industrial plants and smaller, regional recyclers—and they’ve delivered. Their claim to fame? Specializing in wet process equipment that’s both powerful and compact, making it ideal for facilities with limited space. But don’t let the size fool you; these systems pack a punch when it comes to metal recovery and water treatment.
Let’s zoom in on their “HydroCycle Pro” wet process equipment line. Designed specifically for circuit board recycling, these systems use a combination of water-based separation and advanced chemistry to extract metals from shredded circuit boards. The magic happens in the water treatment phase: LG’s proprietary “BioFilter” technology uses naturally occurring bacteria to break down organic pollutants in the wastewater, while a series of membrane filters catch heavy metals. This two-pronged approach not only cleans the water but also reduces the need for harsh chemicals, making the process more eco-friendly and cost-effective. One of their most popular models, the HydroCycle Pro-500, is built for small to medium operations, with a processing capacity of 500kg per hour and a water recycling rate of over 90%. That means for every 100 liters of water used, only 10 liters need to be replenished—perfect for regions where water is scarce.
LG has also made a name for itself in dry process equipment, particularly with their “DrySep Compact” granulator. This machine uses air classification and electrostatic separation to separate metals from plastics without any water, making it a great companion to their wet process systems for facilities that want to maximize recovery rates. But what really impresses customers is how well these dry and wet systems work together. A recycler in Incheon, for example, paired the DrySep Compact with the HydroCycle Pro-500 and saw metal recovery rates jump from 75% to 92%. “We used to think dry and wet processes were either/or,” the facility owner noted. “LG showed us they can be ‘and’—and the results speak for themselves.”
Another area where LG shines is international collaboration. They’ve partnered with environmental tech firms in Germany and Japan to refine their water treatment technologies, incorporating European standards for water purity into their systems. This global perspective means their equipment isn’t just compliant with South Korean regulations—it meets strict standards in the EU and North America too, making them a favorite for exporters. Plus, their customer service team includes multilingual experts, so even if you’re based in Southeast Asia or Europe, you’ll get the support you need. For recyclers who want flexibility, eco-friendly tech, and global compliance, LG Eco Solutions is a standout choice.
Let’s zoom in on their “HydroCycle Pro” wet process equipment line. Designed specifically for circuit board recycling, these systems use a combination of water-based separation and advanced chemistry to extract metals from shredded circuit boards. The magic happens in the water treatment phase: LG’s proprietary “BioFilter” technology uses naturally occurring bacteria to break down organic pollutants in the wastewater, while a series of membrane filters catch heavy metals. This two-pronged approach not only cleans the water but also reduces the need for harsh chemicals, making the process more eco-friendly and cost-effective. One of their most popular models, the HydroCycle Pro-500, is built for small to medium operations, with a processing capacity of 500kg per hour and a water recycling rate of over 90%. That means for every 100 liters of water used, only 10 liters need to be replenished—perfect for regions where water is scarce.
LG has also made a name for itself in dry process equipment, particularly with their “DrySep Compact” granulator. This machine uses air classification and electrostatic separation to separate metals from plastics without any water, making it a great companion to their wet process systems for facilities that want to maximize recovery rates. But what really impresses customers is how well these dry and wet systems work together. A recycler in Incheon, for example, paired the DrySep Compact with the HydroCycle Pro-500 and saw metal recovery rates jump from 75% to 92%. “We used to think dry and wet processes were either/or,” the facility owner noted. “LG showed us they can be ‘and’—and the results speak for themselves.”
Another area where LG shines is international collaboration. They’ve partnered with environmental tech firms in Germany and Japan to refine their water treatment technologies, incorporating European standards for water purity into their systems. This global perspective means their equipment isn’t just compliant with South Korean regulations—it meets strict standards in the EU and North America too, making them a favorite for exporters. Plus, their customer service team includes multilingual experts, so even if you’re based in Southeast Asia or Europe, you’ll get the support you need. For recyclers who want flexibility, eco-friendly tech, and global compliance, LG Eco Solutions is a standout choice.
3. Doosan Environmental Systems
Doosan might not be as well-known to consumers as Samsung or LG, but in the industrial equipment world, they’re a heavyweight—and their Environmental Systems division is no exception. With over 30 years of experience in engineering, Doosan brings a level of technical expertise to circuit board recycling equipment that’s hard to match. They specialize in large-scale, turnkey solutions, meaning they’ll design, build, and install an entire recycling plant for you, from the shredders right down to the water process equipment. If you’re planning a major recycling facility, Doosan is the go-to for reliability and scale.
Their flagship offering is the “MegaCycle Series,” a line of circuit board recycling plants with capacities ranging from 1000kg to 5000kg per hour—yes, you read that right, 5000kg. These behemoths are designed for industrial operations that process hundreds of tons of e-waste monthly. The water treatment component here is a marvel of engineering: Doosan’s “ZeroDischarge” system is exactly what it sounds like—no water is released into the environment. Instead, wastewater is treated through a series of ultrafiltration, ion exchange, and evaporation steps, leaving behind only solid waste (which is then safely disposed of or repurposed) and pure water that’s reused in the process. It’s a closed-loop system that’s as green as it gets.
A recent project in Ulsan showcases their capabilities. Doosan built a MegaCycle plant for a government-backed e-waste recycling initiative, processing over 200 tons of circuit boards per month. The ZeroDischarge system there has been running for two years with zero environmental violations, and the plant has become a model for sustainable recycling in South Korea. “Doosan didn’t just deliver equipment—they delivered peace of mind,” said the project director. “We knew from the start they could handle the scale, but the fact that we’re operating with zero water discharge? That’s something we didn’t even think was possible five years ago.”
What else sets Doosan apart? Their focus on durability. Industrial equipment takes a beating, and Doosan’s machines are built to last. They use high-grade steel for shredders and filters, and their water treatment components are designed to handle the harshest chemicals and highest metal concentrations without corrosion. Plus, their engineering team works closely with clients to customize systems to their specific needs. Need to process a mix of circuit boards and cables? They’ll adjust the shredders. Have limited space for water treatment? They’ll design a vertical system to save floor area. It’s this attention to detail that makes them a top choice for large-scale, long-term projects. If you’re in the market for industrial-grade equipment that can handle heavy workloads and prioritize sustainability, Doosan should be at the top of your list.
Their flagship offering is the “MegaCycle Series,” a line of circuit board recycling plants with capacities ranging from 1000kg to 5000kg per hour—yes, you read that right, 5000kg. These behemoths are designed for industrial operations that process hundreds of tons of e-waste monthly. The water treatment component here is a marvel of engineering: Doosan’s “ZeroDischarge” system is exactly what it sounds like—no water is released into the environment. Instead, wastewater is treated through a series of ultrafiltration, ion exchange, and evaporation steps, leaving behind only solid waste (which is then safely disposed of or repurposed) and pure water that’s reused in the process. It’s a closed-loop system that’s as green as it gets.
A recent project in Ulsan showcases their capabilities. Doosan built a MegaCycle plant for a government-backed e-waste recycling initiative, processing over 200 tons of circuit boards per month. The ZeroDischarge system there has been running for two years with zero environmental violations, and the plant has become a model for sustainable recycling in South Korea. “Doosan didn’t just deliver equipment—they delivered peace of mind,” said the project director. “We knew from the start they could handle the scale, but the fact that we’re operating with zero water discharge? That’s something we didn’t even think was possible five years ago.”
What else sets Doosan apart? Their focus on durability. Industrial equipment takes a beating, and Doosan’s machines are built to last. They use high-grade steel for shredders and filters, and their water treatment components are designed to handle the harshest chemicals and highest metal concentrations without corrosion. Plus, their engineering team works closely with clients to customize systems to their specific needs. Need to process a mix of circuit boards and cables? They’ll adjust the shredders. Have limited space for water treatment? They’ll design a vertical system to save floor area. It’s this attention to detail that makes them a top choice for large-scale, long-term projects. If you’re in the market for industrial-grade equipment that can handle heavy workloads and prioritize sustainability, Doosan should be at the top of your list.
4. Hyundai Green Tech
Hyundai is synonymous with cars, but their Green Tech division is carving out a niche in the recycling equipment market with a focus on affordability and accessibility. Founded in 2018, they noticed a gap: while big companies like Samsung and Doosan cater to large facilities, smaller recyclers often struggle to find high-quality equipment that fits their budget. Hyundai Green Tech set out to fix that, offering reliable, user-friendly circuit board recycling equipment and water process solutions at a price point that works for small to medium operations.
Their star product is the “EcoMini Series,” a compact circuit board recycling system that includes a small shredder, a wet process separator, and a built-in water treatment module—all in one unit. Designed for facilities processing 100-500kg of circuit boards per hour, the EcoMini is perfect for regional recyclers or startups. The water treatment part is surprisingly robust for its size: it uses a three-stage filtration system (sediment filter, activated carbon, and ultrafiltration) to remove heavy metals and contaminants, and it’s compact enough to fit in a 20-foot container. “We wanted to make recycling tech accessible to everyone, not just the big players,” said a Hyundai Green Tech spokesperson. “The EcoMini lets a small recycler in Busan or Bangkok compete with larger facilities in terms of efficiency and environmental compliance.”
What really makes the EcoMini stand out is its simplicity. Unlike some industrial systems that require a team of engineers to operate, the EcoMini can be run by just two people with minimal training. The control panel is intuitive, with clear icons and step-by-step instructions, and maintenance is straightforward—no need for specialized tools. A recycler in Daegu, who started with an EcoMini last year, shared: “I had no experience with circuit board recycling before, but within a week, my team and I were up and running. The water treatment module is basically plug-and-play, and Hyundai’s training videos made it easy to learn.”
Hyundai Green Tech also offers flexible financing options, which is a big plus for small businesses. They partner with local banks to provide low-interest loans, and they even have a rental program for startups unsure about making a long-term investment. Plus, their equipment is designed with spare parts availability in mind—no waiting months for a replacement filter from overseas; they stock parts in regional warehouses across Asia. For small to medium recyclers looking for a cost-effective, user-friendly solution, Hyundai Green Tech is a game-changer. They prove that you don’t need a huge budget to invest in quality recycling and water treatment equipment.
Their star product is the “EcoMini Series,” a compact circuit board recycling system that includes a small shredder, a wet process separator, and a built-in water treatment module—all in one unit. Designed for facilities processing 100-500kg of circuit boards per hour, the EcoMini is perfect for regional recyclers or startups. The water treatment part is surprisingly robust for its size: it uses a three-stage filtration system (sediment filter, activated carbon, and ultrafiltration) to remove heavy metals and contaminants, and it’s compact enough to fit in a 20-foot container. “We wanted to make recycling tech accessible to everyone, not just the big players,” said a Hyundai Green Tech spokesperson. “The EcoMini lets a small recycler in Busan or Bangkok compete with larger facilities in terms of efficiency and environmental compliance.”
What really makes the EcoMini stand out is its simplicity. Unlike some industrial systems that require a team of engineers to operate, the EcoMini can be run by just two people with minimal training. The control panel is intuitive, with clear icons and step-by-step instructions, and maintenance is straightforward—no need for specialized tools. A recycler in Daegu, who started with an EcoMini last year, shared: “I had no experience with circuit board recycling before, but within a week, my team and I were up and running. The water treatment module is basically plug-and-play, and Hyundai’s training videos made it easy to learn.”
Hyundai Green Tech also offers flexible financing options, which is a big plus for small businesses. They partner with local banks to provide low-interest loans, and they even have a rental program for startups unsure about making a long-term investment. Plus, their equipment is designed with spare parts availability in mind—no waiting months for a replacement filter from overseas; they stock parts in regional warehouses across Asia. For small to medium recyclers looking for a cost-effective, user-friendly solution, Hyundai Green Tech is a game-changer. They prove that you don’t need a huge budget to invest in quality recycling and water treatment equipment.
5. SK Clean Energy
Rounding out our top 5 is SK Clean Energy, a division of SK Group—one of South Korea’s largest conglomerates, with interests in energy, chemicals, and tech. SK Clean Energy entered the recycling equipment market in 2017, bringing with them decades of expertise in materials science and sustainable energy. Their focus? Innovation. They’re constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with circuit board recycling equipment and water process technology, often filing patents for new filtration methods or separation techniques.
Their most groundbreaking product to date is the “NanoCycle” circuit board recycling system, which incorporates nanotechnology into both the separation and water treatment processes. The system uses nano-ceramic filters in the water treatment module, which are more porous and durable than traditional filters, allowing for higher flow rates and longer lifespans. These filters can remove particles as small as 10 nanometers—smaller than most heavy metal ions—ensuring the water recycled back into the system is ultra-pure. The NanoCycle also uses AI-powered sensors to monitor water quality in real time, adjusting filtration settings automatically to optimize performance. “We wanted to leverage SK’s expertise in nanotech and AI to create something truly next-gen,” said the head of SK Clean Energy’s R&D team. “The NanoCycle isn’t just a recycling machine—it’s a smart system that learns and improves over time.”
Another area where SK Clean Energy excels is sustainability in their own manufacturing. They’re committed to reducing the carbon footprint of their equipment, using recycled materials in construction and designing systems that run on low energy. The NanoCycle, for example, uses 20% less electricity than comparable systems, thanks to energy-efficient motors and a heat recovery system that captures waste heat from the shredding process to warm water used in the separation phase. It’s this holistic approach to sustainability—from the product to the manufacturing process—that sets them apart.
SK has also been a leader in international partnerships to advance recycling tech. They recently collaborated with Stanford University to research new methods for extracting rare earth metals from circuit boards using water-based processes, with the goal of making these metals more accessible for battery production. “Circuit boards are like urban mines,” said a project lead. “There’s more gold in a ton of e-waste than in a ton of gold ore, and our partnership with Stanford is about making that extraction cleaner and more efficient.”
For forward-thinking recyclers who want to invest in the future of recycling tech, SK Clean Energy is the way to go. Their NanoCycle system is pricier than some options, but the long-term benefits—higher recovery rates, lower energy and water costs, and cutting-edge AI optimization—make it a worthwhile investment for facilities looking to stay ahead of the curve. Plus, with SK’s reputation for innovation, you can trust that their equipment will remain state-of-the-art for years to come.
Their most groundbreaking product to date is the “NanoCycle” circuit board recycling system, which incorporates nanotechnology into both the separation and water treatment processes. The system uses nano-ceramic filters in the water treatment module, which are more porous and durable than traditional filters, allowing for higher flow rates and longer lifespans. These filters can remove particles as small as 10 nanometers—smaller than most heavy metal ions—ensuring the water recycled back into the system is ultra-pure. The NanoCycle also uses AI-powered sensors to monitor water quality in real time, adjusting filtration settings automatically to optimize performance. “We wanted to leverage SK’s expertise in nanotech and AI to create something truly next-gen,” said the head of SK Clean Energy’s R&D team. “The NanoCycle isn’t just a recycling machine—it’s a smart system that learns and improves over time.”
Another area where SK Clean Energy excels is sustainability in their own manufacturing. They’re committed to reducing the carbon footprint of their equipment, using recycled materials in construction and designing systems that run on low energy. The NanoCycle, for example, uses 20% less electricity than comparable systems, thanks to energy-efficient motors and a heat recovery system that captures waste heat from the shredding process to warm water used in the separation phase. It’s this holistic approach to sustainability—from the product to the manufacturing process—that sets them apart.
SK has also been a leader in international partnerships to advance recycling tech. They recently collaborated with Stanford University to research new methods for extracting rare earth metals from circuit boards using water-based processes, with the goal of making these metals more accessible for battery production. “Circuit boards are like urban mines,” said a project lead. “There’s more gold in a ton of e-waste than in a ton of gold ore, and our partnership with Stanford is about making that extraction cleaner and more efficient.”
For forward-thinking recyclers who want to invest in the future of recycling tech, SK Clean Energy is the way to go. Their NanoCycle system is pricier than some options, but the long-term benefits—higher recovery rates, lower energy and water costs, and cutting-edge AI optimization—make it a worthwhile investment for facilities looking to stay ahead of the curve. Plus, with SK’s reputation for innovation, you can trust that their equipment will remain state-of-the-art for years to come.
| Supplier | Core Products | Processing Capacity (kg/hour) | Key Water Treatment Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Recycling Tech | EcoCycle WCB-2000C (hybrid wet/dry), water process equipment | 500-2000 | Multi-stage filtration, reverse osmosis, 99% heavy metal removal | Large-scale facilities, high automation needs |
| LG Eco Solutions | HydroCycle Pro (wet process), DrySep Compact (dry process) | 500-1000 | BioFilter technology, membrane filtration, 90% water recycling | Medium operations, eco-friendly focus |
| Doosan Environmental Systems | MegaCycle Series (industrial-scale recycling plants) | 1000-5000 | ZeroDischarge closed-loop system, ultrafiltration, ion exchange | Industrial facilities, government projects |
| Hyundai Green Tech | EcoMini Series (compact recycling systems) | 100-500 | Three-stage filtration, compact design, plug-and-play operation | Small/medium recyclers, startups, regional facilities |
| SK Clean Energy | NanoCycle (AI-powered recycling system) | 500-1500 | Nano-ceramic filters, AI monitoring, heat recovery | Innovative facilities, R&D-focused operations |
Choosing the right circuit board recycling equipment supplier is about more than just buying a machine—it’s about investing in a partner who understands the challenges of e-waste recycling and is committed to sustainability. South Korea’s top suppliers—Samsung Recycling Tech, LG Eco Solutions, Doosan Environmental Systems, Hyundai Green Tech, and SK Clean Energy—each bring unique strengths to the table, whether it’s industrial-scale reliability, compact efficiency, or cutting-edge innovation. What unites them is a shared goal: to make circuit board recycling safer, more efficient, and more accessible, all while prioritizing water treatment and environmental compliance.
For large facilities with high throughput, Samsung and Doosan offer the robust, automated systems needed to handle tons of e-waste daily. Smaller recyclers or startups will find Hyundai Green Tech’s affordable, user-friendly EcoMini a perfect fit. Those focused on eco-friendly processes should look to LG’s BioFilter technology, while innovators aiming to stay ahead of the curve will appreciate SK’s nano-tech and AI-powered systems. No matter your needs, these five suppliers prove that South Korea is leading the way in turning e-waste into a resource—one circuit board, and one ｄｒｏｐ of water, at a time. As the world grapples with the growing e-waste crisis, the work of these companies isn’t just good for business; it’s good for the planet.
For large facilities with high throughput, Samsung and Doosan offer the robust, automated systems needed to handle tons of e-waste daily. Smaller recyclers or startups will find Hyundai Green Tech’s affordable, user-friendly EcoMini a perfect fit. Those focused on eco-friendly processes should look to LG’s BioFilter technology, while innovators aiming to stay ahead of the curve will appreciate SK’s nano-tech and AI-powered systems. No matter your needs, these five suppliers prove that South Korea is leading the way in turning e-waste into a resource—one circuit board, and one ｄｒｏｐ of water, at a time. As the world grapples with the growing e-waste crisis, the work of these companies isn’t just good for business; it’s good for the planet.
