Waste Shredder in South Africa

Raw Materials and Machine Selection

The client’s facility handles a wide range of irregular solid waste, including:

• Household plastics such as bottles, bags, and packaging film
• Textile and fabric remnants from local garment manufacturing units
• Light industrial scraps including cardboard, paper, and packaging material

Considering the composition and characteristics of South African waste streams, the recommended model was the SSJ1000 waste shredder machine:

• Model: SSJ1000
• Power: 37*2 kW
• Cutter Disc Diameter: 400 mm
• Cutter Material: 55CrSi alloy steel
• Machine Size: 3900*1800*2200 mm
• Output Size: Approximately 3 cm

This model provides the right balance of capacity, robustness, and efficiency, enabling the facility to handle 6–8 tons of waste per hour, which aligns with the facility’s daily operational needs.

Function and Role of the Waste Shredder

The waste shredder in South Africa is primarily used for preliminary size reduction of mixed municipal and industrial waste. By shredding irregular and bulky materials into smaller pieces, the shredder serves several key purposes:

1. Facilitating material separation: Shredded waste is easier to sort using magnetic separators, air classifiers, and optical sorting machines.
2. Preparation for RDF production: Smaller, uniform pieces are ideal for compressing into refuse-derived fuel pellets used in biomass energy plants.
3. Volume reduction: By reducing bulk, transportation costs and landfill space requirements are minimized.

With this shredder in place, the facility has seen more consistent material flow, fewer blockages in downstream processes, and improved overall efficiency in waste-to-energy conversion.

Logistics and Delivery

The waste shredder in South Africa was shipped via sea freight to the Port of Durban, South Africa’s major container port. RICHI Machinery coordinated the shipment, including all export documentation, customs guidance, and pre-shipment inspection. After arrival, the equipment was transported by truck to the client’s facility, where RICHI provided on-site installation support, technical guidance, and operator training.

Technical Features and Advantages

Several design and operational features of the waste shredder machine in South Africa were key in the client’s purchasing decision:

• Heavy-duty thickened casing with CO₂-protected welding – Ensures long-term durability and prevents deformation under heavy workloads.
• Hexagonal cutter shaft design – High load capacity, suitable for processing hard or irregularly shaped waste.
• Forged 55CrSi alloy steel cutter discs – High toughness, wear resistance, and repairable for extended service life.
• Sealed dustproof and waterproof bearings – Reduce maintenance and ensure stable operation in harsh conditions.
• Automatic overload protection with reverse rotation – Prevents damage from unanticipated hard objects or blockages.

This combination of features ensures the shredder operates efficiently under continuous load, with minimal downtime and lower maintenance costs.

Versatility and Applications

Although installed for municipal waste, the RICHI dual-shaft waste shredder machine is highly versatile and suitable for various applications, including:

• Plastic recycling plants – Shredding PET bottles, films, and industrial packaging.
• Textile recycling facilities – Processing fabric scraps and used clothing.
• Industrial scrap processors – Reducing cardboard, paper, and composite materials for further reuse.
• RDF and biomass plants – Shredding wood chips, agricultural residues, and other combustible materials for fuel production.

Its adaptability allows facilities to process different types of waste streams, making it a flexible investment for evolving operational needs.

Customer Feedback

Three months post-installation, the client shared feedback:

“The RICHI waste shredder has been a game-changer for our facility. We can now process mixed municipal and industrial waste without frequent jams. The output is consistent and ready for RDF production. RICHI’s team provided excellent installation support and training for our operators. Their quick response to queries has given us confidence in the machine’s long-term reliability.”

The client highlighted both the machine’s robustness and RICHI’s professional service as critical factors in their satisfaction.

Why the Client Chose RICHI

The decision to choose RICHI Machinery for this waste shredder in South Africa was influenced by several key factors:

• Dual-shaft design – Efficiently handles irregular and mixed-density waste.
• Durability and low maintenance – Reduces operational costs and downtime.
• Professional support services – Remote installation guidance, troubleshooting, and operator training.
• Proven track record in waste management projects – RICHI has experience with installations across Africa.

Services Provided

RICHI’s engagement extended beyond supplying the waste crusher machine:

• Technical consultation to select the appropriate model based on the client’s waste composition.
• Pre-shipment inspection and operational demonstration.
• Sea freight arrangement to South Africa and customs clearance assistance.
• On-site installation and operator training to ensure smooth integration into existing workflows.
• Long-term after-sales service including spare parts supply, maintenance advice, and remote troubleshooting.

This comprehensive approach allowed the client to start operations smoothly and maintain high productivity from day one.

Conclusion

The waste shredder in South Africa demonstrates the value of a high-quality single-unit solution in municipal and industrial waste management. By replacing an outdated, inefficient shredder, the client achieved higher throughput, consistent output, and improved efficiency for RDF production.

As South Africa continues to emphasize recycling and sustainable waste management, reliable and efficient shredding equipment like RICHI’s dual-shaft waste shredder machine will play a vital role in improving operational efficiency, reducing landfill dependence, and generating reusable by-products.

This project emphasizes that a single, well-designed shredder machine can significantly enhance waste processing operations, and RICHI Machinery’s professional support ensures that customers make a worthwhile investment with long-term benefits.