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:"},"_owner":null},{"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"},"_owner":null}},"_owner":null},{"type":"li","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"children":"Paper"},"_owner":null},{"type":"li","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"children":{"type":"a","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"href":"https://fluentconveyors.com/industries/recycling/occ","children":"Cardboard"},"_owner":null}},"_owner":null},{"type":"li","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"children":"Glass"},"_owner":null},{"type":"li","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"children":"Cans"},"_owner":null},{"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"},"_owner":null}},"_owner":null}]},"_owner":null},{"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"},"_owner":null}," ","waste and scrap construction materials."]},"_owner":null},{"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"},"_owner":null}," ","for processing whole vehicles."]},"_owner":null}]},"_owner":null}

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"},"_owner":null},", 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."]},"_owner":null}},"_owner":null}

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!"},"_owner":null}},"_owner":null}

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."},"_owner":null}},"_owner":null}

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."},"_owner":null}},"_owner":null}

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"},"_owner":null}," ","such as drives, motors, and controls are removed and boxed separately."]},"_owner":null},{"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."},"_owner":null},{"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."},"_owner":null},{"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."},"_owner":null}]},"_owner":null}

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:"},"_owner":null},{"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."},"_owner":null},{"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.)."},"_owner":null},{"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."},"_owner":null}]},"_owner":null},{"type":"p","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"children":"We can customize the color on all structural steel parts including:"},"_owner":null},{"type":"ul","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"children":[{"type":"li","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"children":"Conveyor side framing"},"_owner":null},{"type":"li","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"children":"Guards and covers"},"_owner":null},{"type":"li","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"children":"Supports and legs"},"_owner":null},{"type":"li","key":null,"ref":null,"props":{"children":"Hardware and components"},"_owner":null}]},"_owner":null},{"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."},"_owner":null},{"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!"},"_owner":null}]},"_owner":null}

Can you build a custom trash conveyor system for me?

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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"},"_owner":null}," ","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"},"_owner":null},", and contact our engineering department for a custom conveyor solution."]},"_owner":null}},"_owner":null}

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

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Fluent Conveyors - The leading conveyor manufacturer

Conveyors for the recycling industry

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

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.
: Robust structural steel construction with precision tolerances for heavy loads.

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.

Slider bed conveyors

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

Flat idler conveyors

Flat belt conveyors adaptable to many applications and industries.

Trough idler conveyors

U-shaped belt transports loose bulk materials with minimal spillage.

Recycling sort stations

Highly configurable to your recycling specifications.

Car shredder conveyors

D4 CAT track in place of a belt to handle entire cars.

Radial stacker conveyors

Roller chain or pulley-driven incline conveyors that pivot around a fixed point.

Tumble-back conveyors

Roller chain conveyors configured with a 60-degree incline for metering.

Custom conveyors

If you can dream it, we can build it.

Fluent Conveyors engineers and manufactures our conveyors in the USA to the most stringent tolerances.

All systems fabricated by certified welders for structural integrity
Extensively tested and inspected prior to shipment
3/16" and 1/4" 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
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
All systems fabricated by certified welders for structural integrity
Extensively tested and inspected prior to shipment

Our conveyors deliver exceptional durability, strength, and longevity under punishing conditions.

Learn more about our conveyor manufacturing process

Recycling sectors we serve

We build custom systems for the following recycling applications

Carpet recycling

The carpet recycling industry reclaims over a billion pounds of carpeting each year to recover nylon and other materials. See how our conveyors help carpet recycling centers.

E-waste recycling

E-waste recycling processes millions of tons of electronics annually to reclaim metals, plastics, and other valuable components. Learn about our conveyor systems for e-waste.

Glass recycling

The glass recycling sector handles billions of glass bottles and jars to reduce landfill waste and recover material for reuse. Read about conveyors for glass recycling.

MSW recycling

Municipal solid waste recycling facilities process household and commercial trash to extract raw materials from waste. See our conveyor systems for MSW.

OCC recycling

OCC (old corrugated cardboard) material recovery facilities process billions of boxes annually to recover paper fiber. Explore how our conveyors help OCC.

Paper recycling

Paper recycling operations divert huge volumes of waste paper into recovered pulp for manufacturing new paper products. See our paper recycling capabilities.

Plastics recycling

Plastics recycling enables the reprocessing of PET, HDPE and other polymers to reduce landfill disposal. Learn about conveyor systems for plastics.

Scrap metal recycling

Scrap metal recycling reclaims steel, aluminum, and other abrasive materials from end-of-life products for remelt. View our conveyors for scrap metal plants.

Single-stream recycling

Single-stream recycling facilities sort respective materials from combined recyclables. Read about single-stream systems.

Textile recycling

Textile recycling recovers used clothing, footwear, linens and other fabrics to generate recycled fibers. See our conveyor systems for textiles.

Automotive recycling

Automotive recycling involves dismantling end-of-life vehicles to recover steel, plastics, glass, fluids and other materials. Check out our car recycling systems.

Tire recycling

Tire recycling processes scrap rubber tires into crumb rubber, tire-derived-fuels, rubberized asphalt and other products. See how our systems can help.

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 to 25,000 lbs chain pull
Belt widths: 18" to 96"
Roller chain belts: rubber, PVC, steel hinged, apron pan, z-pan
Chain pitch: 4", 6", 9" pitch. 12" pitch for select belts.
Rollers: 3", 4", 5" diameters
Speed: variable up to 200 ft/min
Inclines: up to 35 degrees; greater inclines available upon request, such as 60° tumble-back conveyor configurations
Drives: 5HP to 25HP, shaft mounted
Safety: guarding, e-stops, pull cords
Control: PLCs, HMIs, and custom control panels

configure conveyor

Trough idler specs

Belt widths: 18" to 72"
Belts: PVC, rubber, urethane
Idler diameters: 5" and 6"
Loading: 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 conveyor

Sort station specs

Widths: 24" to 60"
Belts: PVC, urethane, plastic modular
Speed: variable from 50 to 400 FPM
Safety: pull cords, e-stops, dead man switches
Control: PLCs, HMIs, and custom control panels

About the recycling industry

The recycling industry handles millions of tons of materials each year. As a top provider of recycling conveyors, some key statistics that are relevant to our customers include the following:

In 2018, 69 million tons of municipal solid waste were recycled, up from 67.6 million tons in 2015.
Paper and paperboard made up 67% of the total MSW recycled in 2018.
Plastics recycling has increased from 6.4 million tons in 2015 to 7.7 million tons in 2018.
Glass recycling amounts have remained steady, averaging 3 million tons per year from 2015-2018.
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 recycling material handling, Fluent Conveyors is ready to help our customers efficiently manage this growing stream of recyclable materials.

Projects We've Completed

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