A Global Movement for Sustainable Waste Management: Gradeall at the Forefront of Innovation

Updated on: 23rd April 2024 By:     Kieran Donnelly

sustainable waste management has become more than just a necessity; it’s a global movement. At the forefront of this transformative wave is Gradeall International, a company that’s not just innovating in the realm of waste management but leading the charge with groundbreaking solutions.

Gradeall International’s approach extends beyond conventional waste materials, venturing into the challenging terrain of managing Off-The-Road (OTR) tyres, particularly those used in heavy-duty industries like quarrying and mining. OTR tyres, with their massive sizes and durability, pose unique recycling and disposal challenges. Addressing these not only requires innovative thinking but also robust, specialised equipment capable of handling such large and tough materials.

We also demonstrate a deep commitment to managing general waste streams, particularly everyday recyclables like cardboard and plastics. In our rapidly evolving world, where the production and disposal of such materials have reached unprecedented levels, Gradeall’s technology plays a crucial role in ensuring these common materials are processed efficiently and sustainably.

Gradeall’s diverse range of equipment, tailored for various scales and types of waste, reflects their holistic approach to waste management. Whether it’s a small retail outlet looking to compact cardboard more effectively or a large mining operation seeking to responsibly dispose of bulky OTR tyres, Gradeall offers solutions that are not just effective but also environmentally responsible.

This dual focus – on both highly specialised waste like OTR tyres and more ubiquitous waste materials like cardboard and plastics – positions Gradeall International as a versatile and innovative player in the field of waste management. Their ability to cater to a wide spectrum of waste management needs demonstrates a deep understanding of the current environmental challenges and a commitment to developing solutions that align with the principles of sustainability and circular economy.

The Challenge of OTR Tyres

OTR tyres, with their colossal size and weight (around 600 kilograms each), pose significant logistical and environmental challenges. These massive tyres demand extensive storage space and are impractical to move manually. Their unwieldy nature inflates transportation costs, as only a handful can fit on a standard trailer. Consequently, OTR tyre waste accumulates at mining and construction sites worldwide.

Sustainable Waste Management

Sustainable waste management is an increasingly critical area in modern environmental practices, and the equipment used plays a pivotal role in its success. This equipment ranges from compacting and baling machines to advanced sorting and shredding technologies, each serving a specific purpose in the process of reducing, reusing, and recycling waste. Let’s delve into some of the key types of equipment used in sustainable waste management:

Balers: Balers are essential for compacting waste materials like cardboard, paper, and plastics into dense, manageable bales. These bales are easier to transport and store, and they are also more appealing to recycling facilities. Vertical balers are common in smaller facilities due to their smaller footprint, while horizontal balers are preferred in larger operations for their efficiency in handling larger volumes of waste.

G-eco 50S

The G-eco 50S Single Chamber Baler is a standout example of Gradeall’s commitment to delivering high-quality, efficient, and versatile waste management solutions. Designed and built to the highest standards, the G-eco 50S embodies the principles of durability, efficiency, and user-friendliness, making it an excellent choice for various baling applications.

• Versatility and Multi-Purpose Use: The G-eco 50S is particularly noted for its versatility. It’s capable of handling different types of materials, especially cardboard and plastic, which are common in a wide range of industries. This versatility makes the G-eco 50S an ideal solution for businesses of all sizes, from small retail outlets to larger industrial operations.
• Compact and Efficient Design: As a compact vertical baler, the G-eco 50S is designed to fit into smaller spaces, making it suitable for businesses where floor space is a premium. Despite its compact size, it doesn’t compromise on efficiency. It can create neat, compact bales that are easy to handle, store, and transport, making it a practical solution for efficient waste management.
• Robust Construction for Longevity: The robust nature of the G-eco 50S’s construction is a highlight, indicating a long lifespan. Gradeall’s focus on durability ensures that the baler can withstand the rigors of frequent use, making it a reliable piece of equipment over time. This robustness is a testament to Gradeall’s dedication to quality in manufacturing.
• Low Maintenance and Cost-Effectiveness: One of the key advantages of the G-eco 50S is its low maintenance requirement. This aspect not only reduces downtime but also leads to cost savings in terms of maintenance expenses. For businesses, this translates into a more efficient and cost-effective waste management solution.
• High Standard of In-House Design and Build: The G-eco 50S is designed, built, and fitted in-house by Gradeall, ensuring strict quality control and adherence to the highest standards. This in-house approach allows for meticulous attention to detail and customisation possibilities to meet specific customer needs.
• Environmentally Friendly Solution: In line with sustainable waste management practices, the G-eco 50S contributes to recycling efforts and minimises waste sent to landfills. By compacting cardboard and plastics into bales, it simplifies recycling processes and promotes a circular economy approach.
• User-Friendly Operation: The design of the G-eco 50S also focuses on ease of use. It is engineered to be user-friendly, ensuring that operators can manage the baling process efficiently and safely. This ease of operation is essential for businesses looking to streamline their waste management processes without requiring specialised skills.

The G-eco 50S Single Chamber Baler is a reflection of Gradeall’s excellence in creating waste management solutions that are robust, efficient, and versatile. Its ability to handle various materials, coupled with its compact design, long lifespan, low maintenance needs, and in-house quality assurance, makes it a valuable asset for businesses aiming to enhance their recycling efforts and contribute to environmental sustainability.

Compactors: Waste compactors are used to reduce the size of waste materials, primarily to decrease the space they occupy. This reduction is crucial in minimising the frequency and cost of waste collection and transportation. Compactors are widely used in commercial and industrial settings and come in various sizes and designs, including portable, stationary, and specialised versions like self-contained compactors for wet waste.

GPC P9

The Gradeall GPC P9 represents a significant advancement in the handling of wet waste, showcasing Gradeall’s innovative approach to waste management solutions. This wet waste portable compactor is specifically designed to address the challenges posed by waste with high liquid content, making it an ideal choice for a variety of industries and applications.

• Pendulum Head Design with Twin Ram Arrangement: The GPC P9 features a unique pendulum head design, complemented by a twin ram arrangement. This design ensures that pressure is applied evenly on both sides of the waste material. The twin rams work in concert to deliver consistent and powerful compaction, a critical aspect when dealing with wet waste which can be uneven in distribution and density.
• High Pressure for Effective Compaction: The smaller surface area of the pendulum head in the GPC P9 means that the pressure exerted on the waste is both higher and more concentrated. This results in more efficient compaction, as the waste is pushed into the container with greater force. This high-pressure compaction is particularly effective for wet waste, ensuring that the maximum amount of waste is compacted into the container, optimizing space and reducing the frequency of waste collection.
• Leak-Proof Loading Area: A standout feature of the GPC P9 is its leak-proof loading area. This design is crucial for handling wet waste, as it prevents liquids from escaping the compactor. This containment of liquids is not only important for maintaining a clean and safe waste disposal area but also for complying with health and safety regulations, particularly when dealing with medical waste or food waste.
• Ideal for a Range of Wet Wastes: The GPC P9 is versatile in its application, making it suitable for a wide range of wet waste types, including food waste, medical waste, and green waste. Its ability to handle waste with high liquid content makes it a valuable asset for sectors like the food industry, healthcare facilities, and agricultural operations.
• Environmental and Health Benefits: By efficiently compacting and containing wet waste, the GPC P9 contributes to a cleaner, more hygienic waste management process. This is particularly important in settings where wet waste can be a source of odors, pests, and contamination. Additionally, the compacting process reduces the volume of waste, contributing to lower carbon emissions associated with transport.
• Portable and Convenient: As a portable compactor, the GPC P9 offers flexibility in placement and can be conveniently relocated to suit the needs of different sites or changing operational requirements. This portability is a significant advantage for facilities with limited space or those that require a waste management solution in varying locations.

The Gradeall GPC P9 wet waste portable compactor is a testament to the company’s commitment to providing innovative and practical solutions in waste management. Its unique design, effective compaction capabilities, and leak-proof features make it an essential tool for businesses and organisations dealing with high volumes of wet waste, ensuring a cleaner, safer, and more efficient waste management process.

Conveyors: Conveyors are used to transport waste materials from one point to another within a processing facility. They are critical in streamlining operations and reducing manual labor. Conveyor systems can be customised to accommodate various types of waste and to fit different facility layouts.

 Inclined Tyre Conveyor & MK2 Tyre Baler

Gradeall’s Inclined Tyre Conveyor, used in conjunction with the MK2 Tyre Balers, represents a significant advancement in the recycling of rubber waste, particularly tyres, which have been a longstanding environmental challenge. This innovative system addresses several key issues in tyre recycling: efficiency, worker safety, and environmental impact.

• Addressing the Tyre Waste Challenge: With billions of worn tyres disposed of annually, the accumulation of non-biodegradable rubber waste poses a serious environmental problem. Gradeall’s solution to this challenge underscores the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability. By providing a system that makes tyre recycling more feasible and efficient, Gradeall is helping to reduce the ecological footprint of rubber waste.
• Enhanced Efficiency with the Inclined Tyre Conveyor: The Inclined Tyre Conveyor is a game-changer in the recycling process. Designed to work seamlessly with a pair of MK2 Tyre Balers, this system ensures continuous and efficient loading of tyres into the balers. This continuous operation minimises downtime, maximises throughput, and significantly enhances the overall efficiency of the tyre recycling process.
• Ergonomic Benefits for Operators: One of the key advantages of the Inclined Tyre Conveyor is its ergonomic design. The traditional process of loading tyre balers is physically demanding and can lead to fatigue and back-related issues among operators. The conveyor eliminates the need for operators to bend down repeatedly or walk about searching for tyres, thus reducing physical strain and the risk of injury. This ergonomic consideration not only leads to happier and healthier workers but also to increased productivity.
• Improved Productivity and Throughput: The integration of the Inclined Tyre Conveyor with MK2 Tyre Balers has proven to significantly boost productivity. Companies using this system have reported processing up to 30% more tyres per week. This increased capacity is crucial for businesses dealing with high volumes of tyre waste, making the recycling process not only more efficient but also more profitable.
• PAS108 Compliance and Quality of Output: The MK2 Tyre Baler, a component of this system, is capable of producing up to 6 PAS108 compliant tyre bales per hour, equating to 400-500 tyres per bale. This compliance ensures that the bales meet specific standards, making them suitable for various applications and further processing. With the addition of the Inclined Tyre Baler Conveyor, the system’s capacity approximately doubles, significantly enhancing the overall output quality and quantity.
• Ease of Handling with Chain Release: The MK2 Tyre Baler is equipped with a chain release mechanism for handling the heavy bales of compressed tyres. This feature further reduces the physical demands of the process, aligning with Gradeall’s commitment to creating user-friendly and safe working environments.
• Promoting Rubber Waste Recycling: By addressing the physical and logistical challenges of tyre recycling, Gradeall’s system encourages more businesses to engage in rubber waste recycling. This not only helps in mitigating the environmental impact of tyre waste but also promotes the circular economy, turning a problematic waste product into a valuable resource.

Gradeall’s Inclined Tyre Conveyor, in combination with the MK2 Tyre Balers, represents a holistic solution to tyre recycling. It exemplifies Gradeall’s innovative approach to waste management, balancing efficiency, worker safety, and environmental sustainability. This system is an excellent example of how technology can transform a challenging environmental issue into an opportunity for sustainable business practice.

Glass Crushers: Specifically designed for glass waste, glass crushers break down bottles and jars into small, recyclable particles. This process reduces the volume of glass waste and eliminates sharp edges, making handling and transportation safer and more efficient.

Glass Crusher

The Gradeall Glass Crusher presents a highly effective solution for businesses grappling with the challenges of waste glass bottle management. This innovative equipment is particularly beneficial for establishments generating large quantities of glass waste, such as restaurants, bars, and event venues, where the storage and disposal of glass bottles can be both costly and inconvenient.

• Handling a Range of Bottle Sizes: The ability of the Glass Crusher to deal with bottles up to 3 liters in capacity caters to a variety of needs. This versatility ensures that businesses can process almost all types of glass bottles, significantly simplifying waste management.
• High Crushing Capacity: With a capacity to crush over 4000 bottles per hour, the Gradeall Glass Crusher is exceptionally efficient. This high throughput makes it an ideal choice for establishments with a high turnover of glass bottles, enabling them to manage waste more effectively and efficiently.
• Space-Efficient Waste Storage: The crushed glass is collected into a 140-litre wheelie bin located within a lockable compartment in the machine. This design not only secures the waste glass but also optimises space, a crucial aspect for businesses with limited storage areas.
• Volume Reduction Benefits: One of the key advantages of the Glass Crusher is its ability to significantly reduce the volume of waste glass. Since a substantial part of a bottle’s volume is empty space, crushing the glass means more material can fit into each bin or container. This reduction in volume enhances transport efficiency, lowering the costs and environmental impact associated with transporting waste to recycling plants.
• Noise Reduction Feature: Unlike traditional methods of disposing of glass bottles, the Glass Crusher operates silently. This feature is particularly beneficial in environments where noise pollution is a concern, such as in residential areas or onboard ships.
• Dust Extraction System: The inclusion of a dust extraction system is a thoughtful addition, addressing the issue of dust generation during the crushing process. This feature is vital for maintaining a clean, safe working environment, especially indoors or in areas with limited ventilation.
• Larger Configuration Option: Recognising that some businesses may have even larger waste management needs, Gradeall also offers a larger version of the Glass Crusher. This model includes a conveyor system, allowing the crushed glass to be emptied into bigger receptacles like 1100-litre bins or tipping skips, further enhancing the efficiency and convenience of the recycling process.

Overall, the Gradeall Glass Crusher is an excellent investment for businesses looking to improve their waste management practices. By reducing the volume of glass waste, enhancing transport efficiency, and ensuring a safer and quieter operation, this machine not only saves money but also contributes to the broader environmental goal of reducing waste and promoting recycling.

Organic Waste Converters: These are becoming more popular, particularly in settings where organic waste is generated in large quantities, like in hotels or large kitchens. These machines turn organic waste into compost, significantly reducing its volume and transforming it into a resource for soil enhancement.

Gradeall’s Pioneering Solution

Gradeall recognised the lack of cost-effective methods for dealing with these cumbersome tyres and developed an affordable range of machinery tailored to this challenge. Their innovative three-stage process tackles OTR tyre waste effectively:

1. OTR Splitter: This machine bisects the tyre along its tread, dividing it into two halves. It also facilitates the removal of internal water or debris.
2. OTR Sidewall Cutter: The sidewall cutter separates sidewalls from the tyre halves, focusing on the bead area. It produces rings of different diameters as needed.
3. OTR Shear: Completing the process, the shear deals with the tread sections and sidewalls, significantly reducing segment size.

Environmental Impact

By downsizing OTR tyre waste, Gradeall’s solution addresses both storage inefficiency and transportation costs. Their commitment to sustainability extends beyond waste management – it benefits businesses, communities, and the planet. Gradeall envisions a comprehensive suite of efficient and sustainable waste management solutions, contributing to a cleaner, greener future.

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