Jan 09, 2026
Urbanisation generates significant waste, which is managed at garbage stations. Equipment at these stations varies; configurations are based on function, processing capacity, and technical requirements. Common types of garbage station equipment include sorting equipment.
Manual or automated machines that classify and recover valuable materials such as metals, plastics, and paper. This category includes conveyor systems (machines that automatically transport items), magnetic separators (machines that use magnets to pull out metal items), air separators (devices that use airflow to sort materials by weight), and similar machinery. Here, we focus specifically on sorting equipment.
Sorting equipment plays an essential role in garbage station sorting systems. These machines efficiently isolate recyclables from mixed waste by assessing the physical properties of raw materials, thus increasing resource use. The main types of automated sorting equipment include air separators, eddy-current separators, drum screens, magnetic separators, and light-material separators. We provide the functions and operational principles below.
An air separator uses aerodynamic principles to separate materials of different densities. It primarily separates light materials, such as plastics, paper, and fabrics, from household garbage or construction waste. The fan generates airflow that lifts and collects lighter materials, while heavier materials remain in place due to gravity or move to the next process. The air separator is well-suited to the initial sorting stage and significantly improves the efficiency of subsequent processing.
An eddy current separator separates non-ferrous metals (such as aluminium and copper) from non-metallic materials. It operates via electromagnetic induction; a high-speed rotating magnetic roller generates eddy currents in metal particles, producing opposing magnetic fields that repel and extract metals from other waste. This machine delivers efficient, non-contact, automated separation in recycling electronics, municipal waste, and household appliances.
A drum screen mechanically sorts waste by particle size. Its rotating drum with sieves lets smaller particles fall through the holes as waste is rotated, while larger particles move forward. Drum screens serve as primary classifiers in waste management, efficiently separating materials such as organic debris, sand, and plastics, and lay the groundwork for more detailed sorting.
Magnetic separators extract ferromagnetic metals and serve as vital tools in waste sorting. Powerful magnets attract and remove iron or steel via belts or rollers. Placing magnetic separators above or at the end of conveyor lines enables continuous removal of iron contaminants, protects downstream equipment, and allows iron recycling.
A light material separator isolates lightweight debris—such as plastics, foams, and cardboard—from construction or domestic waste. It combines air separation and screening with an inclined rotating drum and directed airflow. Centrifugal and wind forces throw and collect lighter materials, while heavier items roll down and exit via the drum. This process increases purity in recycled aggregates and other outputs.
Modern garbage stations integrate these sorting machines into automated systems, which greatly increase processing speed and resource recovery. This approach reduces waste, promotes resource reuse, and ensures environmentally safe processing.
Shredding and crushing equipment break large waste into smaller pieces for further processing. This category includes wood crushers, metal shredders, plastic squeezing machines, and related machines.
ACLMEC manufactures waste treatment equipment and supplies complete waste station systems. For further details, please contact the online customer service team.
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