When it comes to recycling equipment, choosing the right brand can make or break your operation. I’ve seen too many businesses get lured by cheap machines only to end up spending twice as much on repairs and downtime. The truth is, in the recycling industry, you’re not just buying equipment – you’re investing in reliability, efficiency, and long-term partnerships. Some brands have consistently stood out over the years, not just for their machinery, but for the complete package they offer.
The heavy hitters in recycling equipment
Let’s start with the obvious players. Vecoplan has been crushing it (pun intended) in the shredder market for decades. Their machines are workhorses – I remember visiting a facility where a Vecoplan shredder had been running three shifts daily for 12 years with minimal maintenance. Then there’s Terex Ecotec, who’ve really upped their game in mobile recycling solutions. Their trommels are practically indestructible, which matters when you’re processing construction debris all day.

The silent performers
Some brands don’t get enough credit. Take Eldan Recycling – they’re not as flashy as some competitors, but their cable granulators? Absolute beasts. I spoke with a scrap yard owner in Texas who replaced his entire setup with Eldan equipment and doubled his throughput. Another underrated player is BHS-Sonthofen – their rotor impact mills handle materials others can’t, like asphalt shingles and electronic waste.
What really makes a brand “the best”?
Here’s the thing – equipment specs only tell part of the story. The best brands understand that downtime costs money. That’s why companies like SSI Shredding Systems offer 24/7 support with guaranteed response times. Or why Lindner Recyclingtech includes operator training with every purchase. It’s these extras that separate premium brands from the rest of the pack.
At the end of the day, the “best” brand depends on your specific needs. A municipal recycling center might swear by their Bollegraaf sorting system, while an e-waste processor wouldn’t trade their Untha shredder for anything. The key is matching the equipment to your material stream and production goals – because even the most expensive machine is useless if it’s not the right fit.
Comments(9)
Great article! Vecoplan’s reliability is no joke – their shredders are absolute tanks.
Anyone have experience with Terex’s newer models? Thinking about upgrading our mobile unit.
Eldan doesn’t get enough love. Their granulators saved our butts last quarter when we had that big copper cable job.
Interesting how support makes such a difference. Our SSI shredder broke down once and they had a tech on-site in 4 hours – worth every penny.
Lol at ‘crushing it’ pun – but seriously Vecoplan shredders are no joke 😂
We switched to BHS last year and wow – the difference in electronic waste processing is night and day.
What about pricing comparison between these brands? Article doesn’t mention costs at all.
Untha crew checking in! Their e-waste shredders are worth the premium if you process lots of small electronics.
Totally agree about matching equipment to material stream. We wasted 6 months with wrong-size trommels before getting it right.