What types of materials can your recycling conveyors handle?

{"key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"children":[{"type":"p","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"children":"Our roller chain and belt conveyors are engineered to move bulk materials in the most demanding recycling environments. They excel at handling loose recyclable materials:"}},{"type":"ul","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"children":[{"type":"li","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"children":{"type":"a","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"href":"https://fluentconveyors.com/industries/recycling/plastics","children":"Plastics"}}}},{"type":"li","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"children":"Paper"}},{"type":"li","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"children":{"type":"a","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"href":"https://fluentconveyors.com/industries/recycling/occ","children":"Cardboard"}}}},{"type":"li","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"children":"Glass"}},{"type":"li","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"children":"Cans"}},{"type":"li","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"children":{"type":"a","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"href":"https://fluentconveyors.com/industries/recycling/scrap-metal","children":"Scrap metal"}}}}]}},{"type":"p","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"children":["We can also accommodate"," ",{"type":"a","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"href":"https://fluentconveyors.com/industries/demolition","children":"demolition"}}," ","waste and scrap construction materials."]}},{"type":"p","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"children":["We even manufacture"," ",{"type":"a","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"href":"https://fluentconveyors.com/conveyors/roller-chain/d4-car-shredder-infeed","children":"car shredder infeed conveyors"}}," ","for processing whole vehicles."]}}]}}

Can your conveyors be customized with features such as cleats, skirts, and guards?

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How can recycling plants maintain and clean your conveyor systems?

{"key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"children":{"type":"p","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"children":["We design our conveyors to need minimal maintenance. When you do need to perform maintenance on them, we make it easy for you. Each conveyor is engineered for quick maintenance access to components, such as"," ",{"type":"a","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"href":"https://fluentconveyors.com/replacement-parts/bearings","children":"bearings"}},", rollers, and drive systems. Conveyor belts and walls are made from materials resistant to contaminants. And we include features such as wash-downs, self-cleaning idlers, and sanitary construction."]}}}}

Do you offer spare parts and replacement belts for your recycling conveyors?

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How long is the typical life cycle for one of your recycling conveyor systems?

{"key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"children":{"type":"p","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"children":"Our conveyors are built to high standards with durable components rated for 24/7 operation. With proper maintenance, a service life of 15–20 years in recycling applications is typical. We still have systems running that were installed 30+ years ago!"}}}}

Are your conveyors easy to integrate with existing recycling equipment?

{"key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"children":{"type":"p","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"children":"Our team has experience interfacing with all major recycling equipment brands. We can customize controls, transitions, stands, and configurations to make installation and integration seamless. Just provide us with your equipment details and layout."}}}}

What is the lead time for a custom Fluent conveyor system?

{"key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"children":{"type":"p","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"children":"Our average lead time is 10–12 weeks for a custom conveyor. Yours may be more or less than this, depending on your desired configuration and other variables. Contact the Fluent Conveyors engineering team to get a more accurate production cycle timeline for your specific needs."}}}}

How are your conveyors shipped to customers?

{"key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"children":[{"type":"p","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"children":["Each conveyor is test-run and inspected prior to loading. We partially disassemble components and prepare them for optimal freight load configuration. Sensitive"," ",{"type":"a","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"href":"https://fluentconveyors.com/replacement-parts","children":"parts"}}," ","such as drives, motors, and controls are removed and boxed separately."]}},{"type":"p","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"children":"Structural steel frame components are loaded sequentially and fastened securely to pallets or crates for maximum load stability. We brace incline sections, cover belt areas prone to damage, and reinforce the overall load for smooth transport."}},{"type":"p","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"children":"Once at our loading dock, experienced logistics staff strap, wrap, and secure the full conveyor shipment according to proven methods. We ship via trusted carriers and can accommodate truck, ocean, or air transport."}},{"type":"p","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"children":"Upon arrival, you'll receive clear unload instructions and a component manifest. Our goal is to ship each conveyor system efficiently so it arrives in the same flawless condition as it left our facility."}}]}}

Can I really order a conveyor in any color of my choosing?

{"key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"children":[{"type":"p","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"children":"We can customize the color of your conveyor. Our powder coating process allows us to coat your conveyor frame and components in virtually any color. We just need a few details from you:"}},{"type":"ul","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"children":[{"type":"li","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"children":"If you have a RAL color number, please provide this so we can match the hue. RAL is a standard universal color system."}},{"type":"li","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"children":"If you don’t have a RAL number for your desired color, then supply a paint color name, and let us know which paint brand it is from (Sherwin-Williams, PPG, Valspar, Diamond Vogel, etc.)."}},{"type":"li","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"children":"We can also color-match a sample (such as a paint chip) if you mail one to us."}}]}},{"type":"p","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"children":"We can customize the color on all structural steel parts including:"}},{"type":"ul","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"children":[{"type":"li","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"children":"Conveyor side framing"}},{"type":"li","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"children":"Guards and covers"}},{"type":"li","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"children":"Supports and legs"}},{"type":"li","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"children":"Hardware and components"}}]}},{"type":"p","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"children":"Just let your Fluent Conveyors sales rep know your selected color during the design process. We'll make sure your conveyor arrives looking right at home in your facility."}},{"type":"p","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"children":"Powder coating allows virtually unlimited possibilities for matching colors. So if you can envision it, we can make it a reality on your custom roller chain conveyor!"}}]}}

Can you build a custom trash conveyor system for me?

{"key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"children":[{"type":"p","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"children":["Yes, we build custom conveyor systems for"," ",{"type":"a","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"href":"https://fluentconveyors.com/industries/waste-management","children":"waste management"}},", industrial, and commercial applications. We can design and manufacture systems to handle a variety of materials:"]}},{"type":"ul","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"children":[{"type":"li","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"children":"Household waste"}},{"type":"li","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"children":"Industrial waste"}},{"type":"li","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"children":{"type":"a","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"href":"https://fluentconveyors.com/industries/recycling/biomass-organic-waste","children":"Biomass organic waste"}}}},{"type":"li","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"children":"Commercial waste"}},{"type":"li","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"children":"Electrical waste"}},{"type":"li","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"children":"Paper trash"}},{"type":"li","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"children":[{"type":"a","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"href":"https://fluentconveyors.com/industries/construction","children":"Construction"}}," ","debris"]}},{"type":"li","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"children":"Mixed materials"}}]}},{"type":"p","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"children":["No matter what type of waste materials you are"," ",{"type":"a","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"href":"https://fluentconveyors.com/applications/transport","children":"transporting"}},", our conveyors are an ideal choice. We’ll build a trash conveyor system that meets your needs."]}}]}}

What other types of conveyors do you offer?

{"key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"children":{"type":"p","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"children":["We offer a wide range of conveyor types and material handling solutions, from chain belt conveyors to slider bed conveyors to"," ",{"type":"a","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"href":"https://fluentconveyors.com/conveyors/radial-stacker","children":"radial stacker conveyors"}}," ","and much more. We can customize conveyor length, belt width, configuration, and many other aspects."," ",{"type":"a","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"href":"https://fluentconveyors.com/conveyors","children":"Check out our full range of conveyors"}},", and contact our engineering department for a custom conveyor solution."]}}}}

What belt types do you offer for your roller chain conveyors?

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Fluent Conveyors - The leading conveyor manufacturer

Industries

Recycling

Conveyors for the recycling industry

Reduce labor costs and increase throughput with the world's best recycling conveyor systems, American-made and American engineered.

Configure Your Conveyor

We believe in a greener future. That’s why we build our conveyors to withstand the harsh conditions of recycling plants. We support the recycling industry’s mission to reduce landfill waste and return recycled materials to the economy.

Engineered and manufactured in the USA for quality and fast turnaround.

Fully customizable in size, layout, belt, chain, drive, power, features, and more.

Engineered and manufactured in the USA for quality and fast turnaround.

Our recycling conveyors

We offer the following types of conveyors and conveyor systems to serve the recycling industry and beyond

Roller chain conveyors

Choose from light-duty, heavy-duty, and extreme heavy-duty options.

LEARN MORE

Slider bed conveyors

Deliver high throughput and superior product stability in packaging and beyond.

LEARN MORE

Flat idler conveyors

Flat belt conveyors adaptable to many applications and industries.

LEARN MORE

Recycling sectors we serve

We build custom systems for the following recycling applications

MSW recycling

MSW recycling facilities process household and commercial trash to extract recyclable commodities like paper, plastic, glass, and metals. This is achieved through a complex, automated system that employs a series of mechanical and manual sorting techniques. The process typically begins with the removal of large items and then uses equipment like disc screens, air classifiers, magnets, and optical scanners to separate materials by size, weight, and composition.

Made in the USA for
performance and longevity

Our recycling conveyors are engineered and manufactured in the USA to the most stringent tolerances.

All custom systems fabricated by certified welders for structural integrity
Formed using heavy duty steel plate, rectangular tubing, and structural channel
Precision components such as cold-rolled steel shafts and flame-hardened sprockets
All hardware is grade 8 for maximum strength
Painted with industrial grade powder coating for durability
Designed for simple maintenance access and component serviceability
Extensively tested and inspected prior to shipment
3/16-inch and 1/4-inch thick structural steel frames to prevent flexing
25–35 pound rail track to withstand heavy loads
ASTM A36 steel for fabrication per structural code
Premium bearings sized for L10 life ratings, made in USA
Dodge, Nord, SEW drives matched to application torque
Goodyear, Flexco belt options resistant to rips, tears, and impacts
Baldor, Leeson, Toshiba TEFC motors selected for 24/7 operation

We build recycling conveyors that deliver exceptional durability, strength, and longevity under punishing conditions.

Recycling conveyor specifications

We engineer and build recycling conveyor systems to your exact needs. Here are some general specs and options; click through to an individual conveyor page to learn more.

Roller chain specs

Capacities

9,000-25,000 lb chain pull

Belt widths

18-125 inches

Roller chain belts

rubber, PVC, steel hinged, apron pan, z-pan

Chain pitch

4, 6, and 9-inch pitch; 12-inch pitch for select belts.

Rollers

3, 4, and 5-inch diameters

Speed

variable up to 200 ft/min

Inclines

up to 35 degrees; greater inclines available upon request, such as 60-degree tumble-back conveyors

Drives

5 HP to 25 HP, shaft mounted

Safety

guarding, e-stops, pull cords

Control

PLCs, HMIs, and custom control panels

Configure your conveyor

Request a quote

Belt conveyor specs

Belt widths

18-85 inches

Belt materials

PVC, rubber, urethane

Idler diameters

5 and 6 inches

10-15 PSF on returns; 40-120 PSF on troughed sections

Speed

up to 600 FPM center drive; 1000 FPM end drive

Pulleys

wing, bent, snub, take-up, and drive pulley options

Control

PLCs, HMIs, and custom control panels

Configure your conveyor

Request a quote

Sort station specs

Widths

24-85 inches

Belts

PVC, urethane, plastic modular, metal modular

Speed

variable from 50 to 400 FPM

Safety

pull cords, e-stops, dead man switches

Control

PLCs, HMIs, and custom control panels

Configure your conveyor

Request a quote

About the recycling industry

The recycling industry handles millions of tons of materials each year. Here are some key statistics about US recycling efforts:

In 2018, 69 million tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) were recycled in the U.S., up from 67.6 million tons in 2015.

Paper and paperboard made up 67 percent of the total MSW recycled in 2018.

Plastics recycling increased from 6.4 million tons in 2015 to 7.7 million tons in 2018.

Glass recycling amounts remained steady, averaging 3 million tons per year from 2015 to 2018.

Of the 25 million tons of MSW composted in 2018, 22.3 million tons were yard trimmings and 2.6 million tons were food waste.

Landfilling decreased from 154.5 million tons in 2015 down to 146.1 million tons in 2018.

As these EPA statistics show, recycling volumes continue to rise across most material streams, demonstrating the need for durable, high-capacity recycling conveyors and systems. With our expertise in handling recyclable materials, Fluent Conveyors is ready to help you efficiently manage your waste stream.

Projects We've Completed

Here are some of the many conveyor projects we’ve done for some amazing customers across the US.

Do you need a conveyor solution?

We build our conveyors to handle the most extreme applications, including scrap, recycling, waste, and other harsh environments.

Robust structural steel construction with precision tolerances for heavy loads
Fully customizable size, layout, drive, and other features
Engineered and manufactured in the USA for quality and fast turnaround

Recycling FAQ

Company

Others

Fluent Conveyors Blogs

How do You Properly Secure a Conveyor Belt?

How to Calculate the Speed of a Conveyor Belt

Dealers

Resources

Industry We Serve

MSW Recycling

OCC Recycling

Conveyors for the recycling industry

Our recycling conveyors

Roller chain conveyors

Slider bed conveyors

Flat idler conveyors

Recycling sectors we serve

MSW recycling

Made in the USA for performance and longevity

Recycling conveyor specifications

Roller chain specs

Belt conveyor specs

Sort station specs

About the recycling industry

Projects We've Completed

Do you need a conveyor solution?

Recycling FAQ

What types of materials can your recycling conveyors handle?

Can your conveyors be customized with features such as cleats, skirts, and guards?

How can recycling plants maintain and clean your conveyor systems?

Do you offer spare parts and replacement belts for your recycling conveyors?

How long is the typical life cycle for one of your recycling conveyor systems?

Are your conveyors easy to integrate with existing recycling equipment?

What is the lead time for a custom Fluent conveyor system?

How are your conveyors shipped to customers?

Can I really order a conveyor in any color of my choosing?

Can you build a custom trash conveyor system for me?

What other types of conveyors do you offer?

What belt types do you offer for your roller chain conveyors?

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Become A Dealer

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Made in the USA for
performance and longevity