EQUIPMENT SPOTLIGHT | FEBRUARY 2026 Shredders

by MARY M. THORNTON
maryt@americanrecycler.com

Resilient members of the auto recycling industry have navigated a variety of challenges this decade. The demand remains high for affordable, recycled car parts as vehicle lifespan will likely continue to rise. Along the way, recyclers will also continue to monitor related standards and practices – such as those involving the proper handling of electric vehicle driver assistance systems and batteries. A recent Global Vehicle Recycling Marketing Report noted that the industry is projected to grow to $243 billion by 2032. The shredder manufacturers described in the following provide products that help facilitate the recycling of auto parts, which in turn reduces the volume of material that might have otherwise negatively impacted the environment.

Ian Richardson, industrial sales engineer, explained that “When it comes to handling steel and aluminum auto body panel trim scrap, you need a shredder that’s built for power, precision and reliability. The Shred-Tech ST-75 delivers exactly that – turning bulky, tough materials into manageable pieces for efficient recycling and disposal.”

Shred-Tech

The ST-75 dual-shaft, high-torque motors crush through steel and aluminum with ease and the machine’s heavy-duty construction is designed for continuous operation in demanding automotive environments. The shredder handles a wide range of metal scrap, from body panels to trim pieces while it also reduces scrap size for easier handling – and maximizes downstream recycling efficiency. Key features include superior cutting force and customizable options that can be appointed according to a user’s plant throughput and space requirements, rugged components with proven reliability and intelligent controls that provide automatic reversal to prevent jams and downtime. “Other shredders offered in the market may process only light-duty plastics and e-waste, utilizing a limited duty, single shaft with lower torque and minimal customization options. With the ST-75, you’re not just reducing waste – you’re boosting efficiency, cutting costs and supporting sustainability goals. Backed by Shred-Tech’s decades of expertise, this shredder is the ultimate solution for automotive and metal scrap recyclers,” said Richardson.

“SICON, a reliable partner in the scrap and metal recycling industry since 1998, continues to set standards with groundbreaking innovations – both in the holistic processing of ASR and in the online analysis of shredder scrap (EcoScan® Online),” commented Heiner Guschall, managing director. He added that SICON’s strength lies in the realization of customized plants. This is facilitated by an experienced team of engineers that accompanies each project from the initial idea to successful implementation.

SICON America

SICON expertise also includes shredder solutions for end-of-life vehicle recycling. Guschall stated, “Until now, shredding end-of-life cars was reserved for powerful car shredders. With the EcoShred® Slimtec in combination with the EcoRip® Compact, a cost-effective alternative is now also available to smaller car recyclers who want to process 2,000 to 4,000 tons per month.”

The EcoRip Compact is a powerful two-shaft shredder with a high-torque drive. It shreds dry car bodies without the risk of explosion into chunky material, which is then processed into dense shredder scrap by the EcoShred Slimtec – equipped with a frequency-controlled AC motor (up to 1400 HP) and a dry mechanical safety clutch. The EcoShred Slimtec has all the features of significantly larger shredders, such as a power-controlled feed roller, segmented floor grates, lockable top grate, operated ejection door and hydraulically disc or spider rotor with cast protective caps. At its heart is a frequency-controlled drive that enables particularly economical operation. The downstream ferrous system is also designed for maximum efficiency and can be operated without the usual, manual sorting. This means that even smaller plants can achieve high cost-effectiveness at reasonable investment costs.

“Another particular advantage of the SICON solution is the integration of dry dust removal with optional VOC separation, which meets all regulatory requirements. With these solutions, SICON is responding to the trend toward more decentralized processing plants – without compromising on performance and quality” Guschall concluded.

The Forrec dual shaft FX shredder features four gearboxes and four hydraulic motors, delivering exceptional power and torque. Operating at a low speed of three to six rpm, this shredder minimizes noise and vibrations, making it ideal for processing scrap autos. Its patented design includes bolted knives, which allow for easy maintenance and replacement, reducing downtime and operational costs. Power options range from 490 to 600 HP and up to 1090 HP, enabling shredding capacities between 10 to 15 tons per hour and 20 to 25 tons per hour, depending on the model. This versatility makes the FX suitable for a wide range of applications, from small and medium-sized scrap yards and vehicle processing yards –where quiet operation is essential for neighborhood compliance – to large metal collection centers requiring high throughput and efficiency.

Forrec Recycling

Forrec is represented in the U.S. by the vehicle processing specialists, Vortex. Vortex chief executive officer Nigel Dove stated, “Compared to traditional shearing machines, Forrec’s dual-shear technology delivers heavy duty structures at a competitive price level. The FX stands out for its high torque, ensuring precise and reliable shredding of even the most challenging materials, while maintaining a cost-effective solution for parts replacement. Through a commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, Forrec provides not only a technologically advanced product but also an excellent price-to-performance ratio. The FX series shredder is a trusted solution for those looking to optimize light metal and vehicle recycling operations, reduce noise pollution and achieve high production volumes efficiently.”

Dove added, “The FX is hands down the best value for performance ratio on the market. Whether you are processing vehicle scrap or mixed light metals, Forrec’s FX range gives you the best cost per ton available. At the forefront of recycling technology for over 20 years, Forrec offers innovative solutions for light metal and vehicle treatment and the FX dual-shaft shredders are designed for the size reduction of vehicles and light metals, with a perfect balance of performance, durability and efficiency.”

Published in the February 2026 Edition of American Recycler News