SSI Shredding Systems - WeRecycle! Shreds with Confidence

Mick Schum, P.E., president of WeRecycle!, Wallingford, Conn., was confident his company’s skilled associates and proven service methods could help tackle the growing stream of obsolete electronics generated in and around New York City.

Considerable investments in property and equipment, however, were going to be needed, and the entire facility would have to be centered around a reliable, productive shredding machine.

"As this was our first major expansion and use of automation, we took our time and did some serious research," says Schum of the plant the company has opened in Mount Vernon, N.Y.

It was apparent early on in his conversations with equipment owners and recyclers in other parts of the country that the same name kept emerging—SSI Shredding Systems of Wilsonville, OR.

"After talking to people in our industry, SSI came away consistently as being the most trusted firm with the best technology and most reliable shredders," says Schum. "SSI just had a great reputation, and the feedback we got was that they were always there to support their equipment."

In 2007, WeRecycle! placed its order for an SSI Quad^TM Q100 model with a 300-horsepower motor. "The Quad was attractive because our goal was to liberate materials for clean scrap streams and to generate a very even particle size to prepare for further downstream separation and processing," says Schum.

Since installing the unit, Schum says the SSI shredder has tackled a diverse stream of computers, printers, VCRs, DVD players and other electronic equipment. "We don’t run any CRT-containing devices, but beyond that it’s really all types of IT equipment."

The SSI Q100 has not just met expectations, but exceeded them. "The shredder is marketed as being capable of processing 3 to 4 tons per hour, which is plenty of capacity, but the fact is we’ve been able to reach 5 to 6 tons per hour."

Schum says reliability has indeed been a hallmark of the machine, and the people of SSI have provided the type of knowledge and service that helps set it apart as a company. "Dave Fleming and everyone at SSI have been helpful. We looked at this as the central piece of equipment we could build off of, and he has given us perspective on downstream technologies that are out there that is allowing us to do just that."

In terms of productivity, reliability and service, SSI has proven to be a company Schum will continue to work with as a trusted supplier as his business grows. "I was confident going in, but the fact is they have exceeded our expectations. The equipment is performing above any realistic expectations we had going in. We’re just very pleased and we look forward to future opportunities to work with SSI."