Used Plastic Shredder & Industrial Shredder Buying Guide
Everything you need to know about buying a used plastic shredder machine, industrial shredder, or plastic granulator for recycling and size reduction applications.
Types of Plastic Shredders
Single Shaft Shredders
Single shaft plastic shredders use a single rotating shaft with cutters that push material against a fixed counter-knife. A screen below controls output particle size. Single shaft shredders are ideal for:
- Plastic film, bags, and flexible packaging
- Bottles, containers, and rigid plastics
- Controlled, uniform output size
- Lower noise operation
Popular brands: WEIMA, Vecoplan, SSI Shredding Systems
Dual Shaft (Two Shaft) Shredders
Dual shaft industrial shredders use two counter-rotating shafts with interlocking cutters. They handle tougher materials and larger pieces:
- Bulky plastic parts, drums, and pallets
- Mixed waste streams
- Tires and rubber
- E-waste and WEEE
Quad Shaft Shredders
Quad shaft shredders use four shafts for maximum throughput and finer output without a screen. Best for high-volume recycling operations.
Plastic Shredder vs Granulator: Which Do You Need?
This is one of the most common questions in plastics recycling:
- Plastic shredders = first-stage size reduction for bulky or contaminated material. Output is coarse (1-4 inch pieces).
- Plastic granulators = final-stage size reduction for clean material. Output is fine, uniform regrind (6-12mm) suitable for reprocessing.
- Many operations use both: shredder → granulator → processing
What to Inspect When Buying a Used Plastic Shredder
- Rotor and cutter condition — check for wear, chips, or damage
- Screen condition (single shaft) — holes should be uniform and unworn
- Drive system — motor condition, gearbox for noise/leaks
- Bearings — check for play, noise, and heat
- Hopper and feed system — ram condition (if equipped)
- Control system — PLC, overload protection, reversing capability
- Throughput test — run material through if possible
Used Plastic Shredder Pricing
| Type | HP Range | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Small single shaft | 5-15 HP | $8,000 - $20,000 |
| Medium single shaft | 20-50 HP | $15,000 - $40,000 |
| Large single shaft | 50-100+ HP | $30,000 - $80,000 |
| Dual shaft | 20-100+ HP | $20,000 - $80,000 |
| Quad shaft | 50-200+ HP | $50,000 - $150,000+ |
| Beside-the-press granulator | 3-10 HP | $2,000 - $8,000 |
| Central granulator | 15-75 HP | $8,000 - $35,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a plastic shredder and a granulator?
A plastic shredder uses low-speed, high-torque cutting to tear material into coarse pieces — ideal for bulky items, mixed waste, and first-stage size reduction. A plastic granulator uses high-speed rotary knives to cut material into uniform, small particles (regrind) suitable for reprocessing. Many recycling operations use shredders for initial size reduction followed by granulators for final sizing.
How much does a used plastic shredder cost?
Used plastic shredder prices vary by type and size. Small single shaft shredders: $10,000-$25,000. Dual shaft industrial shredders: $20,000-$80,000. Quad shaft production shredders: $50,000-$150,000+. Used plastic granulators range from $2,000-$50,000 depending on size.
What size plastic shredder do I need?
Shredder size depends on your material type, piece size, required throughput (lbs/hr), and desired output particle size. A 15HP single shaft shredder might process 500-1,000 lbs/hr of plastic, while a 100HP dual shaft can handle 3,000-5,000+ lbs/hr. Contact Meadoworks at 800-323-0307 with your requirements for a specific recommendation.
What brands of plastic shredders does Meadoworks carry?
Meadoworks stocks used plastic shredders from SSI Shredding Systems, WEIMA, Vecoplan, Cumberland, Rapid Granulator, Herbold, Nelmor, Foremost, and other leading manufacturers.
Browse Used Plastic Shredders & Granulators
Meadoworks stocks used plastic shredders, granulators, balers, and recycling equipment from all major brands.Browse recycling equipment →
Or call 800-323-0307 to discuss your specific size reduction requirements.
