Wanless advances recycling technologies through research and development at Sydney Recycling Park by tackling some of the most complex challenges in waste management, continuing to deliver cutting-edge solutions that improve efficiency, sustainability, and resource recovery. With a focus on innovation, the company is proud to partner with leading institutions and invest in transformative projects that benefit both the environment and customers.
Leading the Way in PCB Recovery
The rapid rise in e-waste is a global challenge, and Wanless Waste Management is at the forefront of developing cutting-edge solutions to address it. A critical component of effective e-waste recycling is recovering Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) — valuable yet tricky materials embedded within electronic waste.
To extract PCBs, waste appliances are shredded into fragments, exposing the PCBs among a mix of metal, plastic, and other materials. Traditionally, this process relies on human operators to identify and manually extract PCB fragments. However, challenges such as misidentification, obscured materials, and operator fatigue limit efficiency. Shredded PCBs often mimic metal scrap due to their irregular shapes and metallic surfaces, making them difficult to identify, particularly under high-volume conditions.
Recognising the need for a more efficient process, Wanless is partnering with the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) to develop an autonomous sorting system. By leveraging advanced sensory technology and automated gripping mechanisms, this innovation aims to eliminate sorting errors, improve throughput, and reduce costs. A fully autonomous PCB recovery system represents a major leap forward, enhancing the value and viability of e-waste recycling in Australia.
Advancing Mixed E-Waste and Metal Recovery
While traditional shredding equipment excels at processing clean, uniform scrap metals, it struggles with mixed materials like e-waste combined with metals such as copper, steel, and aluminium. Heterogeneous materials present unique challenges, including varying densities, non-metal components, and complex separation needs.
Standard systems like the ZB Thor and Zato pre-shredders, though powerful, are designed for homogenous feedstocks. Processing mixed materials can lead to inefficiencies such as blockages, inconsistent throughput, and difficulties achieving the purity levels required for export.
Wanless is addressing these limitations through research and development aimed at revolutionising mixed material recovery. By experimenting with shredding chamber designs, rotor speeds, material retention times, and advanced separation technologies, Wanless is creating processes that can adapt to dynamic feedstocks. These enhancements will ensure higher recovery rates, consistent output quality, and improved sustainability in managing e-waste and mixed metals.
Driving Sustainable Change
Wanless Waste Management’s commitment to innovation and sustainability positions it as a leader in e-waste recycling. By tackling the challenges of PCB recovery and mixed material processing, Wanless is shaping a future where advanced technology meets environmental responsibility.
In addition to these initiatives, Wanless is also advancing a third project that uses computer software and AI to optimise the routing of its collection fleet. Efficient fleet routing is critical for maintaining customer satisfaction, conserving resources such as fuel, and ensuring smooth operations. This highly complex project considers factors such as traffic, customer servicing requirements, disposal locations and opening hours, and the maximum carrying capacities of vehicles. Wanless’ software engineers have been refining this system for several years, with the goal of providing customers with a superior experience once it is fully implemented.
For more information about Wanless Waste Management’s innovative recycling solutions, visit our website or contact us today.