​​How Much Does a Plastic Crusher Complete Set Cost? A Comprehensive Guide to Industrial Plastic Recycling Equipment​

Plastic waste management has become a critical global challenge, with millions of tons of discarded plastics ending up in landfills or polluting ecosystems each year. Recycling these materials is not just an environmental imperative—it’s also a way to conserve resources and reduce production costs for businesses. At the heart of efficient plastic recycling lies a ​​plastic crusher complete set​​—an integrated system of machines designed to shred, crush, and process bulk plastics into reusable flakes, pellets, or granules. If you’re considering investing in such a system, this guide will break down what a complete set entails, key cost factors, typical price ranges, and how to choose the right equipment for your needs.

What Is a Plastic Crusher Complete Set?

A plastic crusher complete set is an integrated solution that combines multiple machines to handle the entire plastic recycling workflow, from material intake to processed output. Unlike standalone crushers, a “complete set” includes all necessary components to process diverse plastics (e.g., bottles, trays, films, packaging) efficiently. This integration streamlines operations, reduces labor costs, and ensures consistent output quality—making it ideal for recycling facilities, plastic manufacturers, and municipalities.
​​Typical Components of a Complete Set​​:

• ​​Primary Crusher​​: Shreds large plastic items into smaller flakes (e.g., single-axis or dual-axis shredders).
• ​​Feeding System​​: Vibrating feeders or conveyor belts to regulate material input and prevent jams.
• ​​Secondary Crusher/Granulator​​: Further processes flakes into uniform pellets or granules (e.g., impact crushers or granulators).
• ​​Screening/Separation Unit​​: Vibrating screens or air classifiers to remove contaminants (e.g., labels, caps) and sort by size.
• ​​Control System​​: Automated controls to adjust speed, monitor performance, and reduce manual intervention.

Key Factors That Determine the Cost of a Plastic Crusher Complete Set

The price of a complete set varies widely based on its design, capacity, and features. Here are the five main factors that influence cost:

1. ​​Type of Crushers in the Set​​

The core of the system is the crusher(s), and their type directly impacts price:

• ​​Single-Axis Shredders​​: Compact and affordable, ideal for soft or thin plastics (e.g., plastic bags, films).
  ​​Cost Range​​: $10,000–$30,000 per unit.
• ​​Dual-Axis Crushers​​: More powerful, handling thicker plastics (e.g., HDPE drums, bottles) with interlocking blades.
  ​​Cost Range​​: $30,000–$80,000 per unit.
• ​​Four-Axis Crushers​​: High-speed, heavy-duty models for tough or contaminated plastics (e.g., multi-layered packaging).
  ​​Cost Range​​: $80,000–$250,000 per unit.
• ​​Granulators​​: Produce small plastic pellets for direct reuse in manufacturing.
  ​​Cost Range​​: $50,000–$200,000 per unit.

2. ​​Processing Capacity (Throughput)​​

Capacity, measured in kilograms per hour (kg/h), determines how much the system can process daily.

• ​​Small-Scale (50–200 kg/h)​​: Compact sets for labs, small recycling shops, or businesses processing 5–15 tons of plastic daily (e.g., local recycling centers, small packaging manufacturers).
• ​​Mid-Scale (200–1,000 kg/h)​​: For medium-sized facilities processing 20–50 tons daily (e.g., municipal waste plants, agricultural cooperatives).
• ​​Industrial (1,000–10+ t/h)​​: Heavy-duty sets for large-scale operations like plastic manufacturers or industrial recyclers handling 100+ tons daily.

​​Price Impact​​: A mid-scale dual-axis set (800 kg/h) costs ~$120,000,whileanindustrialfour-axissystem(1,500kg/h)canexceed$400,000.

3. ​​Material Compatibility​​

Plastic crusher complete sets must handle diverse plastics, including:

• ​​Clean vs. Contaminated Plastics​​: Contaminated plastics (with labels, dirt, or residues) require anti-corrosive components and advanced filtration, increasing costs by 20–50%.
• ​​Multi-Layered Plastics​​: Plastics with liners (e.g., plastic-aluminum foil) need specialized blades and settings, adding 15–30% to the price.

4. ​​Technology and Automation​​

Modern complete sets integrate features to boost efficiency and safety:

• ​​AI Sensors​​: Detect material type, thickness, and contaminants in real time, adjusting settings automatically.
• ​​Automatic Feed Systems​​: Prevent jams and reduce labor costs by regulating material input.
• ​​Energy-Efficient Motors​​: Lower operational costs by 30–40% compared to standard models.

​​Price Impact​​: Fully automated sets are 15–30% pricier upfront but save money long-term through reduced labor and energy use.

5. ​​Brand and After-Sales Support​​

Established brands (e.g., Vecoplan, SSI Shredding Systems, Ecostar) dominate the market, offering:

• ​​Warranties​​: 2–5 years on core components (blades, motors, frames).
• ​​Technical Support​​: On-site service, remote troubleshooting, and spare parts availability.
• ​​Customization​​: Tailored solutions for unique waste streams (e.g., separating PET from aluminum caps).

​​Price Impact​​: Branded sets cost 15–30% more than unbranded alternatives but provide reliability and peace of mind.

Average Cost Ranges for Plastic Crusher Complete Sets

To help you gauge your budget, here are typical price brackets based on type, capacity, and application:

1. ​​Entry-Level Single-Axis Sets​​

• ​​Capacity​​: 50–200 kg/h
• ​​Use Case​​: Small recycling shops, labs, or businesses processing 5–15 tons of plastic daily (e.g., local recycling centers, small packaging manufacturers).
• ​​Price​​: $30,000–$80,000 (includes crusher, feeder, and basic screening).

These compact sets are easy to install and maintain, making them a favorite for startups or low-volume operations.

2. ​​Mid-Range Dual-Axis Sets​​

• ​​Capacity​​: 200–1,000 kg/h
• ​​Use Case​​: Medium-sized facilities processing 20–50 tons daily (e.g., municipal waste plants, agricultural cooperatives).
• ​​Price​​: $80,000–$200,000 (includes dual-axis crusher, conveyor belt, and vibrating screen).

These models balance power and affordability, with features like adjustable speed and basic automation.

3. ​​High-Capacity Industrial Sets​​

• ​​Capacity​​: 1,000–10+ t/h
• ​​Use Case​​: Large-scale industrial plants, industrial recyclers, or manufacturers handling 100+ tons daily.
• ​​Price​​: $200,000–$600,000+ (includes four-axis crusher, granulator, and advanced screening/separation units).

Built for 24/7 operation, these heavy-duty systems include energy-saving motors, modular designs, and full automation.

How to Choose the Right Plastic Crusher Complete Set

With prices spanning $30kto$600k+, aligning your choice with your needs is critical:

1. ​​Define Your Material​​: Are you processing clean LDPE films, contaminated ones, or multi-layered plastics? Choose a set with compatible blades and filtration systems.
2. ​​Estimate Your Volume​​: Calculate daily/weekly plastic processing needs to avoid overspending on excess capacity.
3. ​​Prioritize Long-Term Value​​: Cheaper models may save money upfront but cost more in repairs and downtime. Invest in durable materials (stainless steel frames) and trusted brands for reliability.
4. ​​Plan for Scalability​​: If you expect to expand operations, choose a set with modular components that can be upgraded later.

The Bottom Line

A plastic crusher complete set is a vital investment for businesses aiming to recycle efficiently and reduce environmental impact. While entry-level models start at $30,000, industrial facilities may need to invest six figures. By understanding the factors that drive pricing—including crusher type, capacity, material compatibility, and automation—you can find a system that delivers efficiency, profitability, and sustainability.
Whether you’re a small recycling business or a large industrial manufacturer, the right plastic crusher complete set will turn waste into valuable resources—helping you reduce costs, lower your carbon footprint, and contribute to a circular economy.