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E-Waste Shredders for Efficient Electronic Waste Recycling

Safe, efficient shredding of electronic scrap (WEEE) for maximum materials recovery
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piles of e-waste
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WEIMA ZM four-shaft shredder shreds WEEE electronic waste
Shredded consumer electronics (e-scrap)
Shredded copper cables after a machine trial
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Electronic waste is a rapidly growing problem worldwide, with an estimated 53.6 million metric tons generated globally in 2019, according to the Global E-Waste Monitor 2020. This staggering amount of waste is expected to reach 74.7 million metric tons by 2030, posing significant environmental and health risks. As the demand for electronic devices continues to rise, it is essential that we adopt efficient and sustainable solutions to manage the e-waste crisis. That's where shredding comes in.

Shredding electronic waste is an essential step in the recycling process, as it enables the recovery of valuable resources while reducing the volume of hazardous waste. Electronic devices often contain valuable metals like gold, silver, and copper, which can be extracted through shredding and other separation technologies. In addition, shredding helps reduce the volume of electronic waste, making it easier and more cost-effective to transport and process.

Customer applications: Electronic waste shredding with WEIMA

Practical examples of successful shredding with WEIMA shredders
Electronic waste shredding
WEIMA W5.18 shreds copper cables e-scrap for WEEE waste recycling
A WEIMA WKS 1800 single-shaft shredder shreds different kinds of electrical cables / wires for WEEE recycling purposes.
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Electronic waste shredding
Electronic waste shredding with a WEIMA WLK 4 shredder
A WEIMA WLK 4 single-shaft shredder shreds cartons with electronic waste.
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Shredded consumer electronics (e-scrap)
Electronic waste shredding
Shredding of hard disks and floppy disks
WEIMA ZMK 50 shreds hard discs, data media and paper according to DIN 66399-2.
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Portrait of Erik Hagen, Sales Director at WEIMA
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WEIMA portfolio for shredding electronic waste

The right machine for every material
WEIMA WLK 1500 yksiakselinen murskain
Single-shaft shredder
WLK series
Machines in the WLK series are ideally equipped for a wide range of tasks. The machine design is characterized in particular by its durability and robustness. Thanks to the conveyor belt cut-out, all machines can be seamlessly integrated into any production line. They also offer numerous options in terms of drive and cutting geometry diversity.
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Single-shaft shredder
W5 series
With rotor lengths of 1,400 to 2,200 mm, the shredders in the W5 series shred large-volume materials with ease. The hydraulically upward pivoting screen basket and the inspection flap allow foreign objects to be removed quickly and facilitate maintenance. Large quantities of plastic flakes can be transported via the wide conveyor belt cut-out.
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Four-shaft shredder
ZM series
The ZM series is ideal for shredding long, bulky and voluminous materials. A generous feed hopper enables convenient feeding by hand, conveyor belt or forklift. The cutting unit consists of two clearing shafts and two cutting shafts with aggressive material feed. Compared to single-shaft shredders, four-shaft models work more slowly, do not require a pusher and generate less noise - while maintaining the same high throughput. An optional screen under the cutting unit defines the grain size of the output material.
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Did you know?
The value of raw materials in e-waste was estimated to be worth $57 billion in 2019.

Source: Global Waste

Recycling of electronic waste

The most important at a glance
two people sorting e-waste in a facility
What is electronic waste (WEEE)?
Electronic waste, or WEEE (Waste electrical and electronic equipment), is a term used to describe discarded electrical or electronic devices.
WEEE can be broadly classified into six main categories according to the European Commission:

  • Large Household Appliances: Refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, etc.
  • Small Household Appliances: Vacuum cleaners, irons, toasters, etc.
  • IT and Telecommunications Equipment: Computers, printers, telephones, mobile phones, etc.
  • Consumer Electronics: Televisions, radios, cameras, etc.
  • Lighting Equipment: Fluorescent lamps, LED lamps, etc.
  • Electrical and Electronic Tools: Drills, saws, sewing machines, etc.

The professional collection, sorting and shredding of these old devices is crucial in order to recover valuable raw materials and safely dispose of harmful substances.

Source: European Commission
piles of e-waste
Origins of e-scrap
Electronic waste, also known as e-waste, is the result of the rapid growth of the electronics industry and the increasing use of electronic devices. From the introduction of radios and televisions in the early 20th century to computers and cell phones, technological progress has led to a steady increase in e-waste. The short lifespan of many devices, rapid technological change and high consumer demand make e-waste the fastest growing waste stream in the world today. Improper disposal can cause considerable environmental and health risks - making recycling and proper treatment all the more important.
computer electronics e waste
Challenges of e-waste recycling
Recycling e-waste is a complex and demanding process due to the diverse composition of electronic devices. They often contain hazardous materials, such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, which require careful handling and disposal. Additionally, extracting valuable metals like gold, silver, and copper from e-waste can be labor-intensive and expensive. The United Nations Environment Programme provides more information on the challenges of e-waste management.
four-shaft shredder shreds computer e scrap
Optimize e-waste recycling with WEIMA shredders
As electronic waste continues to be a pressing environmental concern, the importance of efficient and safe shredding of e-waste is increasingly apparent. When it comes to shredding e-waste, there are several factors to consider, including size reduction, durability, safety, energy efficiency, versatility, material recovery, eco-friendliness, and ease of maintenance. The shredders manufactured by WEIMA are designed to meet all these requirements, making them some of the best shredders for e-waste. Let's take a closer look at the various features of WEIMA shredders that make them ideal for shredding electronic waste.
Sorted computer elements e waste
How does the WEEE Directive regulate electronic scrap recycling?
The WEEE Directive was established by the European Union in 2003 to regulate the disposal and recycling of electronic waste. Producers of electronic devices are responsible for financing the collection, treatment, and recycling of their products, with a target of 65% of all electronic waste being collected and recycled. The directive also regulates the disposal of hazardous materials in electronic devices and requires the establishment of collection systems and certified recycling facilities. The WEEE Directive promotes sustainable waste management practices and reduces the environmental impact of electronic waste in Europe.
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Recycling electronic waste step by step

It is important to know that the specific recycling process may vary depending on the type of electronic device and the recycling facility. There are also additional steps in some recycling facilities, such as testing and refurbishing devices that can be reused.

Collection

E-waste is collected from households, businesses, and other sources and transported to a recycling facility.

Sorting

The e-waste is sorted into different categories based on the type of device and the materials it contains.

Shredding

Electronic devices are shredded into smaller pieces using specialized shredders to facilitate the separation of materials.

Separation

The shredded e-waste is then subjected to various separation techniques to isolate different materials, including metals, plastics, and glass. These materials are then sent for further processing or sold to manufacturers as raw materials.

Refining

Valuable metals like gold, silver, and copper are further refined to increase their purity and recover more of the metal.

Disposal

Any hazardous materials that cannot be recycled or recovered are disposed of safely and responsibly.

Advantages of recycling electronic waste

The professional processing of disused electronic devices does more than just dispose of them: it protects natural resources, enables valuable materials to be returned to the production cycle and creates new economic opportunities.

Environmental protection

E-waste often contains hazardous materials like lead, mercury, and cadmium, which can contaminate the environment if not disposed of properly. Recycling e-waste helps prevent these hazardous materials from polluting the air, water, and soil.

Resource conservation

Electronic devices often contain valuable resources like metals and plastics that can be recovered through recycling. Recycling e-waste helps conserve these non-renewable resources and reduces the need for new resource extraction.

Energy conservation

Recycling e-waste requires less energy than mining and refining new resources. Recycling one million laptops saves the energy equivalent of electricity used by 3,500 homes in a year, according to the EPA.

Economic benefits

Recycling e-waste can generate revenue through the recovery of valuable resources. It also reduces the costs of waste disposal and helps companies comply with regulatory requirements.

Advantages of WEIMA for e-waste recycling

WEIMA shredders offer high-performance and sustainable solutions for processing electronic waste. They combine efficient shredding technology with high material recovery and maximum operational reliability.

Size Reduction Efficiency

WEIMA shredders are engineered to effectively reduce the size of electronic devices, promoting efficient separation of materials.

Durability and Robustness

Built to handle tough materials like metal and plastic, WEIMA shredders boast superior durability and reliability.

Advanced Safety Features

Equipped with advanced safety features such as interlocks and emergency stop buttons, WEIMA shredders prioritize worker safety.

Energy Efficiency

Designed for high efficiency and low energy consumption, WEIMA shredders deliver cost-effective operation.

Versatility and Flexibility

Capable of handling a wide range of electronic devices, from small gadgets to large appliances, WEIMA shredders are incredibly versatile.

Valuable Material Recovery

WEIMA shredders are engineered to maximize the value of recycled materials, enabling the recovery of valuable resources like metals and plastics.

Eco-Friendliness

WEIMA shredders minimize environmental impact, with features like low-noise operation (e.g. two-shaft and four-shaft shredders) and reduced emissions.

Easy Maintenance

Designed for easy maintenance, WEIMA shredders have accessible parts and clear instructions for repairs, minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity.

Good to know.
Recycling one million laptops saves the energy equivalent of electricity used by 3,500 homes in a year

Source: United Nations

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