Published on September 12, 2024
Recycling is a growing industry, and choosing the right machine can make all the difference to your business. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:
1. Assess your needs :
Advice: Carry out a full waste audit to determine exactly what types and volumes of materials you process. This will help you define the essential features of your recycling machine.
Tip: Remember to include growth forecasts in your requirements. If your business is expanding, your recycling needs may increase rapidly.
2. Consider Machine Capacity:
Advice: Choose a machine with a capacity slightly higher than your current needs to avoid saturation at peak times. This will also extend the life of the equipment.
Tip : If you process several types of material, consider investing in several specialist machines rather than a single multi-purpose machine, which may not be as efficient.
3. Look at Specific Features:
Advice : Prioritise machines with advanced sorting technologies, such as optical sensors or powerful magnets, which can improve recycling efficiency.
Tip: Don't overlook customisation options. Some machines can be specifically adapted to your needs.
4. Compare Brands and Models:
Advice : Check out professional forums and online discussion groups for unbiased opinions on the machines you're considering. This may reveal advantages or disadvantages you hadn't thought of.
Tip : If possible, visit facilities similar to yours to see the machines in action before making a decision.
5. Consider the Total Cost :
Advice : Don't forget to calculate the cost of the energy consumed by the machine, especially if you plan to run continuously. A machine that's cheaper to buy can be expensive in the long run if it uses a lot of energy.
Tip : Explore leasing or long-term financing options, which may allow you to save capital for other investments.
6. Think about the future :
Advice : Choose machines that can be easily updated with new technology, rather than rigid models that will quickly become obsolete.
Tip : Think about changing environmental regulations. Investing in a machine capable of meeting future standards can save you extra costs.
7. Test before you buy :
Advice : If possible, ask to see the machine in operation in a company similar to yours or at a manufacturer's demonstration site. This can give you a better idea of its performance in a real-life context.
Tip : During the trial period, evaluate not only the machine's performance, but also the ease of maintenance and the responsiveness of the supplier's technical service.
8. Consult the experts:
Advice : Hire a consultant specialising in recycling if you don't have the expertise in-house. Their experience can save you time and money.
Tip : Make sure you talk to experts from different industries, as innovations in other sectors can often be applied to your own.
9. Check the Support and Service Options :
Advice : Choose suppliers that offer 24/7 support and have spare parts available locally. Prolonged downtime can be costly to your business.
Tip : Negotiate after-sales service contracts that include regular reviews and software updates to ensure optimum performance.
10. Consider the Environmental Aspects :
Advice : Choose machines with recognised environmental certifications, such as ISO 14001, which guarantee a reduced impact on the environment.
Tip : Consider the machine's carbon footprint over its entire life cycle, from production to disposal, for a truly sustainable choice.
By following this in-depth advice, you'll be able to select the ideal recycling machine for your business, optimising your processes while maximising profitability.
Written by
Julien Jean
Manager of MyScrapMachine
