For municipal solid waste (MSW) with a daily processing capacity of hundreds of tons, efficient and stable sorting is a crucial first step in resource recovery. This article will analyze in detail, through a specific South African project, how Guoxin Machinery’s 500-ton/day large-scale MSW sorting production line, designed for highly complex solid waste, achieves high-purity material recovery and stable operation.
I. Project Overview (South Africa)
This large-scale stationary waste sorting line, designed to process 500 tons/day, was provided to a municipal waste treatment center in a major South African city. The client’s core requirements were:
Efficient sorting of complex mixed municipal solid waste to improve resource recovery rates.
Robust and durable equipment capable of withstanding South Africa’s high temperatures, dust, and corrosive components in the waste.
High degree of automation, reducing reliance on expensive manual sorting and lowering long-term operating costs.
Finally, producing clean recyclable materials (plastics, metals, paper, etc.) and high-calorific-value RDF (waste-derived fuel).
This client previously relied primarily on manual sorting and simple equipment, resulting in low recycling rates and high costs. Therefore, they decided to introduce an automated sorting production line for modernization.
II. Material and Site Conditions
Material Characteristics: Highly mixed municipal solid waste, including kitchen waste, various plastics (films, rigid plastics), paper, textiles, metals, glass, and small amounts of inert materials.
Feeding Method: Uniform feeding by pre-treatment equipment; maximum feed size ≤ 400mm.
Required Capacity: 500-600 tons/day (based on 16-20 hours of operation per day).
Working Environment: Ambient temperature 20-40°C, dusty environment. Materials have a certain degree of humidity and corrosiveness.
Operating Mode: 2-3 shifts per day, 6-7 days of continuous operation per week.
Power Supply: Local municipal power grid (South African standard).
III. Selected Waste Sorting Equipment Configuration
(1) Heavy-duty Plate Feeder and Coarse Crusher
Function: To uniformly and controllably transport and crush messy raw waste to smaller, more uniform sizes (≤150mm), creating conditions for subsequent fine sorting.
Design Highlights: Wear-resistant plates and anti-winding cutter shaft design, suitable for waste containing complex fibrous materials (such as ropes and fabrics).
(2) RotaryTrommel Screen (Key Size Grading Equipment)
Screen Hole Configuration: Multi-segment design, with screen hole sizes of 40mm and 120mm.
Sorting Results:
<40mm Undersize: Mainly organic matter, fine soil, and small particles, suitable for composting or further processing.
40-120mm Middlesize: Contains most of the target recyclable materials (plastic bottles, cans, packaging materials, etc.).
>120mm Oversize: Large pieces of waste, long items, etc., can be manually picked or subsequently crushed.
(3) Air Separator
Function: Separates lightweight materials (mainly thin-film plastics and paper) from materials with a particle size of 40-120mm into heavy materials (plastic bottles, metals, rigid plastics, etc.).
Advantage: Highly efficient separation, significantly improving the purity of materials in subsequent processes.
(4) Magnetic Separator and Eddy Current Separator
Magnetic Separator: Separates ferromagnetic metals (such as iron cans) from heavy material streams.
Eddy Current Separator: Separates non-ferrous metals (such as aluminum cans, copper, etc.), with high recycling value.
(5) Optical Separator (for high-value plastics)
Function: Identifies crushed plastic flakes, accurately separating different types of plastics such as PET and HDPE.
Advantage: Greatly improves the purity and economic value of recycled plastics.
IV. Process Flow Diagram (Simple and Efficient Layout)
Primary Municipal Waste → Plate Feeder → Coarse Crusher → Rotary Drum Screen (Grading) →
↓ <40mm Organic Matter
→ 40-120mm Material → Air Separator (Light and Heavy Separation) →
↓ Light Materials (Film/Paper)
→ Heavy Materials → Magnetic Separator (Ferrous Metals) → Eddy Current Separator (Non-ferrous Metals) → Manual Picking/Optical Separation (Fine Plastics Separation)
↓ >120mm Large Items → Manual Picking/Crushing
Modal Design: The order of each unit can be flexibly adjusted or added/removed to adapt to changes in waste composition.
Automation Core: Significantly reduces manual labor requirements, resulting in high sorting efficiency and consistency.
V. Production Performance (Based on Project Data)
During commissioning and stable operation, key data are as follows:
| Project | Data/Performance |
| :— | :— |
| Actual Average Processing Capacity | 520-580 tons/day |
| Overall Metal Recovery Rate | >95% |
| Overall Plastic Recovery Rate | >85% |
| RDF Raw Material Yield | 30-40% (Calorific Value Controllable) |
| Total Installed System Power | Approximately 450-500 kW |
| Lifespan of Key Equipment Wear-Resistant Parts | 6-12 months (depending on material abrasion) |
VI. Why South African Customers Choose This System
✔ Designed for Complex Waste
The combined process of drum screen, air separation, magnetic separation, and photoelectric separation comprehensively covers all types of recyclables in mixed waste.
✔ Robust and Durable
Components in contact with materials are made of wear-resistant steel plates or treated with anti-corrosion coatings, adaptable to the South African environment and waste characteristics.
✔ Significantly Reduced Labor Costs
Automated processes replace dozens of manual sorting positions, resulting in lower operating costs and simpler management.
✔ High Output Value
High-purity metal and plastic sorting results can be directly sold as commodities, and RDF raw materials offer potential for energy utilization.
✔ User-Friendly Operation and Maintenance
English operating interface and manuals are provided, key equipment maintenance is convenient, and the local team can quickly master it.
VII. Delivery and Installation
Production Cycle: 50-60 days (including in-plant pre-assembly and testing).
Transportation Method: China to major ports in South Africa (sea freight), then transported to the site by specialized vehicles.
Installation and Commissioning: Our engineers provide on-site installation guidance; the commissioning period is approximately 15-20 days.
Training: Comprehensive system training for customer operation, maintenance, and management personnel.
Spare Parts Support: Commonly used spare parts are shipped with the main unit, and a local inventory recommendation list is established.
VIII. Optional Add-ons for South Africa and Similar Markets
Further refined plastic color sorting machine.
Organic matter extrusion dehydration equipment.
Full-line dust removal and micro-negative pressure deodorization system.
Intelligent monitoring system (real-time output, fault alarms, data reports).
Pre-treatment solution for high-humidity materials during the rainy season.
IX. Do you need to build a 300-800 ton/day municipal solid waste sorting line for the South African or global market?
If you are planning to improve the resource recovery level of municipal, industrial, or commercial waste, Guoxin Machinery can provide a full-chain solution from consulting, design, to manufacturing and service.
Please provide your:
Approximate analysis of waste composition
Target daily processing capacity
Desired final products (e.g., RDF, types of recycled plastics, etc.)
Basic site information
We will provide you with a detailed process plan, equipment configuration recommendations, expected effect analysis, and a competitive direct quote from the manufacturer within 24 hours.