The resulting waste is so small and powder-like, it s difficult to reuse and transport. Ulam agrees that the disintegrators or pulverizers are huge, expensive, unreliable, and labor-intensive. Dempsey, however, says Security Engineered Machinery pulverizers have advanced sound enclosures and conveyors that squelch such arguments. The sound level can be brought down to 75 decibels, about the same as ambient urban noise. However, there s a cost associated with it.
Machines can cost into the millions.
Of course, you ve got to be willing to pay for it. One sold in 1966 is still operational. Service involves sharpening the knives after 200 hours and oiling bearings, another environmental plus. Europe, with its tightening real estate, is much farther ahead of the United States in the environmental recycling area, he points out. Shredders are sometimes marketed as environmentally friendly, but the main application is for security, Dempsey continues.