High-Profit Potential of PCB Recycling Machine for Copper Recovery—Complete Setup Cost in India and Abroad
📈 Introduction: The Rising Demand for PCB Recycling
With the explosion in electronics consumption and growing awareness around sustainability, the demand for PCB recycling machines for copper recovery is surging. In India and abroad, this segment is witnessing high profitability, driven by the increasing value of copper, rapid e-waste generation, and strict regulations against informal recycling.
India, the third-largest e-waste producer globally, processes over 2 million tonnes annually—a huge untapped resource for entrepreneurs and industries venturing into copper recovery from PCB scrap.
⚙️ What is a PCB Recycling Machine for Copper Recovery?
A PCB recycling machine is an industrial unit that processes discarded printed circuit boards (PCBs) to extract valuable metals—primarily copper, but also silver, gold, and aluminium in smaller quantities.
These machines typically perform:
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Crushing and shredding of the PCBs
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Electrostatic and airflow separation
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Dust filtration and copper granulation
Modern setups use dry recycling technology, which is cleaner, safer, and far more efficient than burning or acid-based extraction.
🪙 Real Copper Yield from Various PCB Types
Copper yield depends on the type of electronic device:
| PCB Source | Copper Yield |
|---|---|
| Stripped TV Kits | Up to 12% |
| Desktop Motherboards & RAM | Around 30% |
| Cellphone PCBs | 30–40% |
High-yield boards like cellphones and computers are ideal for premium copper recovery. While stripped TV kits are lower-yield, they’re cheaper and available in larger volumes.
Machine Types and Capacities
PCB recycling machines are available in various capacities. Below is a structured overview:
1. Entry-Level Machines (75–100 kg/hr)
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Cost: ₹17–22 lakh
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Power: 15–25 kW
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Features: Manual/semi-auto crushing and separation
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Total Setup Cost: ₹45–55 lakh
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Use Case: Startups, small local units
2. Small-Scale Automatic Machines (150–300 kg/hr)
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Cost: ₹26–35 lakh
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Power: 30–45 kW
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Features: Fully automatic operation, electrostatic separators
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Total Setup Cost: ₹55–70 lakh
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Use Case: District-level operations, urban aggregators
3. Mid-Scale Industrial Plants (300–500 kg/hr)
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Cost: ₹45–65 lakh
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Power: 50–75 kW
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Setup Cost: ₹85 lakh – ₹1.2 crore
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Features: Conveyor-fed lines, magnetic and eddy separators
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Use Case: Export-oriented or inter-state recyclers
4. Large-Scale Plants (500 kg – 1 ton/hr)
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Cost: ₹75 lakh – ₹1.2 crore
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Power: 100–150+ kW
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Setup Cost: ₹1.5 – ₹2.5 crore
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Use Case:
Use Case: Export-oriented or inter-state recyclers
💰 Complete Setup Cost (By Scale)
| Scale | Machine Cost | Total Setup Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | ₹17–22 lakh | ₹45–55 lakh |
| Small-Scale | ₹26–35 lakh | ₹55–70 lakh |
| Mid-Scale | ₹45–65 lakh | ₹85 lakh – ₹1.2 crore |
| Large-Scale | ₹75L – ₹1.2 crore | ₹1.5 – ₹2.5 crore |
Note: Total setup includes machinery, civil works, licenses, electrical installation, pollution control, and working capital.
🧩 Raw Material Availability in India
India offers excellent access to PCB scrap:
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Urban centers: Abundant e-waste from mobile and computer repairs
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E-waste aggregators: Sourcing from telecom, IT, and OEM waste
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EPR schemes: OEM-mandated take-back programs
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Industrial auctions: Bulk procurement from government and companies
Exporting countries like the UAE and parts of Africa also ship PCBs to India’s large plants.
📊 Business Potential and Monthly Profit
Let’s assume a 300 kg/hr plant operating 10 hours/day.
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Daily Input: 3 tons
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Average Copper Yield: 25%
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Daily Copper Output: 750 kg
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Selling Price of Copper: ₹400/kg
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Monthly Gross: ₹90 lakhs (30 days)
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Net Profit Margin: 15–20% after OPEX, yielding ₹12–18 lakhs/month
Smaller plants earn ₹1.5–3 lakhs/month, while large-scale units exceed ₹20 lakhs/month.
🌍 India vs Global PCB Recycling Scene
India
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Rapid rise in e-waste
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Strong domestic demand for copper
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Government push for formal recycling
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Affordable labor and setup costs
Global
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Higher automation in Germany, Japan, China
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Export-driven models
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Strict compliance and tracking
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Greater demand for high-purity copper
🔮 Future of PCB Recycling and Copper Recovery
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Automation & AI integration: Higher recovery precision
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Urban mining: Recovery from landfills and legacy dumps
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Government incentives: For formal recyclers under E-Waste Rules
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Circular economy adoption: By manufacturers and governments
Copper demand will rise with EVs, 5G, smart cities, and solar power — all of which rely heavily on copper.
📌 Summary Highlights
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Copper yield varies by PCB type: TV kits (12%), desktop PCBs (30%), cellphone boards (up to 40%)
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Machines range from ₹17 lakh to ₹1.2 crore+
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Full plant setup from ₹45 lakh to ₹2.5 crore
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Small units earn ₹1.5–3 lakh/month; large units over ₹15 lakh/month
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E-waste is widely available in India via urban scrap, EPR, and auctions
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Global markets show rising interest in copper granules from PCB scrap
🔗 External Reference
CPCB Authorized E-Waste Recyclers – India
✅ Final Word
The PCB recycling machine for copper recovery is more than a trend — it's a sustainable, profitable, and future-ready business model. With relatively low entry barriers, scalable technology, and consistent copper demand, this sector holds immense promise for startups and industrial players alike.
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