When does mobile recycling equipment pay off?

Why consider mobile equipment?

• You have multiple sites or projects with limited duration
• Volumes fluctuate – you want to avoid sizing a fixed plant for peak demand
• You want to test a process before investing in a stationary plant
• Transporting waste is cheaper than moving heavy, permanent installations

Mobile equipment means lower setup cost at each site, but may have a higher cost per tonne over time compared with a well-utilised stationary plant.

Total cost of ownership: what belongs in the equation?

Look at these factors together – not just the purchase price:

• Capacity utilisation – is the machine idle for large parts of the year?
• Rigging and transport – how often is the equipment moved, and who pays for the downtime?
• Power and infrastructure – is sufficient power available for electric variants, or do you need diesel?
• Personnel and competence – do you need extra operators for frequent relocations?
• Maintenance – mobile machines may have a different wear profile than stationary solutions

When stationary often wins

Stationary shredders and sorting plants typically pay off when you have high, stable volumes at a single site and can utilise the machines for many operating hours. See also shredders and sorting plants for such needs.

Terex Ecotec in the picture

Terex Ecotec covers mobile shredding, screening, metal extraction, material handling and conveyors. It is suited for building a temporary or relocatable line – not for maximising tonnes per kWh at a single site without relocation.