Need some info from you mid-sized & up guys...equipment questions for the next level!

Originally Posted by webuyselltradestuff

So I am working on my business plan to take my ewaste business to the next level…basically larger space with more automation ect, PLUS I want to expand into a few areas that no one around here does.

What I would like is maybe a bit of guidance from those already at the mid-level situation or someone that can point me to the right types of machinery without breaking the bank so to speak.

Right now, I handle computers and electronics and a little of the extra stuff you come across if someone has it or they bring it to my school fundraiser events. Where I am (Athens, GA), there is not anyone really that does the following: plastics, glass, fiberglass, drywall and construction debris, paper, textiles, tires or styrofoam. This area supports about 5 counties and all those school systems (so good source for fundraising to collect this stuff. We also have a MAJOR university in the University of Georgia (my Alma mater actually).

So, of course you can’t do everything out the gate…so here is what I am thinking in terms of ease of recycling, lowest cost for machinery and abundance…ordered 1st to last. I already do electronics and computers, but I get a lot of plastic with that, so plastics, paper, textiles and glass should be easiest and overlap in terms of machinery to process.

I am looking at a couple of buyers for these items already and there are more I can contact. But I need some guidance as to the “normal” way most buyers want product and what brands of equipment are the best for the money to take care of these items…..

I know a baler works for all of the paper, cardboard, plastics, textiles and even Styrofoam to a degree…horizontal is best for bale density but they are pricey. I figure I might be able to get away with a good vertical baler with a top load hopper right??
What are some of the better ones in your opinion and are they readily available used…also what pricing should I be looking for?? I know YMMV, but at least getting some REAL info from someone in the business helps.
Do you see more companies wanting ground plastics vs baled? I DO NOT want to get into a wet system…would only go with a dry one, so is that an issue? Any recommendations on those and if so, could I get away with fiberglass in it as well as plastics?
Styrofoam I know I want a densifyer, and not one of ones that puts out the toothpaste type stuff…just the compactor vs for densified blocks…..recommendations?
Glass…options and cost? I can get SO many beer bottle it’s not even funny (a college town).

Finally, I think a cable shredder is in order with all the computer wire and other wiring I get. It all goes in the yard as low grade (except power cables), so I think a lower cost machine would pay for itself. I would like one that separated CU from AL and the plastics, but failing that, one that sorted metals from plastic and then I can run it again with different specific weight to separate CU and AL…again dry, not wet please for recommendations.

I APPRECIATE the info so much. I am happy to lend my extensive knowledge in computers and electronics in exchange…I also do graphic design and we could look at that too. Understand, hopefully most of you are well away from me where I would not be “competing” and you would give me some info to flatten the curve out for me so to speak. Again, I will be happy to exchange knowledge or skill (graphic design) for the knowledge….I am not trying to get the hand out…just a help with the learning curve since there are literally 100’s of corporate videos on youtube with equipment.

Thanks so much!

Charles Jones
CEO-Webuyselltradestuff.com
706.338.4800

To be at the next level of any of those areas you really need to be doing millions of lbs of material.

Things to remember before making large capital purchases - Do I really need this? What is my ROI? What happens if market X dries up tomorrow and I am stuck with this/that.
You are making alot of assumptions as to what machinery and equipment can do.



If you are looking for inspiration, checkout Waste Mgmt., they don't buy anything and they are the biggest in the business.

there is always talk of the next level.... from someone who started with 700 dollars 8 years ago, no line of credit, no partners and no outside investment, no scrapmetalforum... i had to grow in a focused and control method. I coach several start ups and small businesses in our industry and the number one problem is lack of commitment and focus.

Generally the problem is not the lack of money... the lack of material... lack of time... because when you have the money, material and the time, the REAL problems get exposed. Theft, mismanagement of inventory, people problems, cashflow, etc.

Don't take this personally, I am just using this as a blanket observation for this forum, not necessarily your situation. I don't have enough information to make a good case in any direction for you other than don't chase the money, chase your passion. Focus on what makes you happy in a particular niche. Learn the market size and potential and figure out how to get moving without having to SPEND money (or atleast the smallest amount of it).