The market for used recycling equipment offers a cost-effective alternative to buying new—provided you know what to look for when making a purchase. Whether it’s a shredder, a pelletizing system, a baler, or a sorting system, used equipment can significantly reduce investment costs without compromising performance.

Why buy used recycling machines?

The main advantage is obvious: the purchase price. Used recycling machines often cost 30 to 60 percent less than new models—while offering comparable performance. There are also other advantages:

• Shorter delivery times: Used machines are available immediately, with no long lead times
• Tried and tested: The machine has already proven itself in real-world conditions
• Lower depreciation: The loss in value is significantly lower for used machinery
• Quick ROI: Thanks to the lower initial cost, the investment pays for itself more quickly

What should you look for when buying?

Not every used machine is a good deal. Here are some things you should clarify before making a purchase:

1. Operating Hours and Maintenance History

Ask about the machine’s operating hours and its complete maintenance history. A well-maintained machine with 10,000 hours on it may be in better condition than a neglected one with 3,000 hours. The serial number and year of manufacture should be verifiable.

2. Condition of wear parts

Cutting blades, screens, bearings, conveyor belts, and hydraulic hoses are typical wear parts. Ask for a detailed description of their condition or inspect the machine on site. Ask about the cost of completely replacing the wear parts—this will give you an idea of the actual purchase price.

3. Availability of replacement parts

Older or rare machine models can pose a problem when sourcing replacement parts. Check whether replacement parts are still available from the manufacturer or dealers. This is generally more reliable with European manufacturers than with imported machines that lack a service network.

4. CE Conformity and Standards

Machinery from the EU must be CE-certified. For imports from non-EU countries, costly modifications may be required to meet European safety standards. Insist on complete documentation.

5. Test run or proof of concept

Insist on a test run or video proof of the device in operation. Reputable dealers typically provide this as standard. If this proof is missing, you should exercise caution.

What types of machines are available on the used market?

The used market for recycling machinery is extensive. Typical categories include:

• Shredders and shredding systems: Used for metal, plastic, paper, wood, and electronic waste
• Cable granulator: For processing electrical cables into copper granules
• Bale presses: For paper, cardboard, film, and textiles
• Sorting systems: For the automatic separation of different material fractions
• Crushing systems: For construction debris, glass, and mineral materials

Conclusion

Used recycling equipment is the most cost-effective choice for many businesses. It is crucial to conduct a thorough inspection before making a purchase. Working with a specialized dealer who provides transparency regarding the equipment’s condition, origin, and maintenance history significantly minimizes the risk.

Diebels Recyclingmaschinenhandel offers used equipment with complete documentation, test runs, and expert advice on selecting the right machine. Contact us—we’ll help you find the right machine for your business.

In short, a cable granulation plant is a specialized recycling machine that mechanically processes electrical cables—without incineration or chemicals. The result: clean copper granules and plastic fractions, both of which can be sold separately.

Anyone working in cable and wire recycling or looking to enter this business sector will soon ask themselves: Which system meets my requirements—and what do I need to consider before making a purchase?

How does a cable granulation system work?

The basic principle is explained in three steps: 1. Shredding: The incoming cables are shredded using cutting mills or hammer mills. This mechanically separates the copper conductors from the plastic jacket. 2. Separation: An air classifier or a vibrating screen separates the shredded material based on density. Copper is heavier and falls to the bottom, while light plastic particles are extracted by suction or blown out. 3. Sorting: High-quality systems incorporate electrostatic separation, which isolates even the finest copper particles from the plastic fraction. The end product is copper granulate with a purity of 99% or higher—ready for direct sale.

What types of systems are there?

There are three main categories on the market: Compact systems (small capacity): For throughput rates of 50 to 300 kg/h. Well-suited for small businesses, scrap yards, and entry-level operations. Low space requirements, manageable investment. Modular mid-range systems: Throughput rates of 300 to 1,000 kg/h. Scalable, well-suited for growing businesses. Often retrofittable with an electrostatic post-sorting stage. Large-scale and industrial systems: For throughput rates exceeding 1,000 kg/h. Fully automatic, high separation rates, designed for continuous industrial operation. Often the more economical solution.

Should I buy new or used?

A new cable granulation system costs between 30,000 and 300,000 euros or more, depending on its capacity. For many companies, it’s worth considering used machines: the savings are often 30 to 60 percent compared to the price of a new machine. What to look for in used systems:

• Available maintenance history and operating hours
• Condition of cutting tools and screens
• Availability of replacement parts for the model
• Option for a commissioning demonstration
• Country of origin and compliance with EU standards

What materials can be processed?

Cable granulators are designed for various types of cables. Common feedstock materials include:

• Electrical cables (low voltage)
• Copper strands and copper wire
• Aluminum cable
• Telephone cables and data lines
• Automotive cables and wiring harnesses

Not suitable: High-voltage cables with lead sheaths, heavily contaminated cables, or materials with liquid residues. These require special pretreatment or different types of equipment.

Profitability: How much can be earned?

The economic benefit of a cable granulation plant lies in the recovery of recyclable materials. Here’s a concrete example: From 1,000 kg of mixed electrical cable, you can recover an average of 200 to 450 kg of copper granulate, depending on the cable type and copper content. With the current copper price at around 8 to 9 euros per kilogram, each ton of processed material generates revenue of 1,600 to 4,000 euros—plus revenue from the plastic fractions. The higher the throughput and the more consistent the material feed, the faster the system pays for itself.

Conclusion

A cable granulation system is a worthwhile investment for anyone working in the scrap metal trade, recycling, or waste management industries who regularly handles cable material. It is crucial to realistically match the system’s capacity to the volume of material available. Diebels Recyclingmaschinenhandel offers used cable granulators in various capacity classes. Contact us—we’ll advise you on the right system for your business.