Cardtech · Destruction & recycling · Isando
Plastic card & ribbon shredding and recycling
Destroy used ribbons and unwanted cards. Recycle suitable plastics.
Looking to recycle plastic cards or used plastic card ribbons? Cardtech offers industrial shredding at our Isando facility, with material separation and recycling where suitable.
Witness the destruction while our operators handle the machinery, or sign over your material and receive confirmation when destruction is complete.
Free shredding for Cardtech customers: Our shredding service is included at no charge for ribbons and cards purchased from Cardtech. For ribbons or cards purchased elsewhere, please contact us for a quote.
Arrange shredding or request a quoteCheck recycling suitabilityA practical process
Used ribbons can retain personal information
Destroy used plastic card printer ribbons
Used ribbons from resin and dye-sublimation printing can retain traces of printed information, including names, photographs and other cardholder details. Treating them as ordinary waste can expose that information.
Cardtech uses its industrial shredder to destroy used ribbons. Our operators handle the machinery throughout the process.
Recycle plastic card ribbons where possible
We separate the plastic cores from the ribbon foil so that the materials can be processed separately. Suitable plastics are sent for recycling where possible.
Recycling depends on the material and the available recycling route. Separating a ribbon does not mean that every part, including the foil, can be recycled.
Clear obsolete stock
Shred and recycle plastic cards
Have high volumes of printed plastic cards that are obsolete, surplus or no longer required? We offer card shredding using the same industrial shredder that destroys excess, scrap and obsolete cards from our own factory.
Suitable card material is sent for recycling after shredding. Tell us the card type and approximate quantity so we can assess your batch and provide a quotation.
Suitable for enquiries about unused printed stock, discontinued card programmes and other unwanted plastic cards. Recycling acceptance depends on construction and contamination.
PVC: more recyclable than you might expect
Clean, separated PVC is a valuable recycling material. It can be reprocessed several times while retaining useful properties, depending on its formulation and the recycling process. That makes suitable obsolete PVC cards worth recovering.
Compared with mixed-material cards, a clean PVC batch is a better fit for our PVC recycling stream. Keeping chips, metal and adhesive out helps protect the recovered material.
Choose the handover that suits you
Two ways to arrange destruction
Attend and witness the shredding
Bring your ribbons or cards to Cardtech by prior arrangement and observe the destruction. Your representative supervises the destruction of your stock while our operators handle the machinery.
Request this option when contacting us so we can agree the arrangements with you.
Sign over your material
Sign over your ribbons or cards to Cardtech for destruction. We process the material and provide confirmation when destruction is complete.
Tell us in advance if you need particular batch references or information included in the confirmation.
Material matters
What can Cardtech send for recycling?
PVC has strong recycling potential when it is properly sorted. We assess each batch for material composition, contamination and an available recycling route before accepting it for recycling:
Suitable plastic cards
Subject to assessmentCards with suitable plastic construction, without electronic components or adhesive, may be sent for recycling after shredding. Printed, obsolete stock can be considered; the material mix determines suitability.
Plastic ribbon cores & foil
Separated for processingCores are separated from foil and processed separately. Suitable plastics are sent for recycling where possible; foil and other components depend on material suitability and recycler acceptance.
RFID & chip cards
Shredding onlyWe do not accept RFID or chip cards into our PVC recycling stream. Mixed plastics, which may include ABS, and components such as antenna coils, chip-on-board (COB) assemblies and contact pads would contaminate the PVC mix. Contact us to arrange destruction of these cards.
Adhesive-bearing material
Not accepted for recyclingMaterial containing adhesive is not accepted through our recycling service. Tell us about labels, stickers or adhesive layers so we can assess the appropriate destruction option.
Destruction and recycling are separate outcomes. Confirmation that material has been destroyed does not mean that all of it was recycled. We only send suitable material for recycling.
Prefer to shred used ribbons at your premises?
For ongoing ribbon destruction, consider buying an IDP SMART Bit ribbon shredder from Cardtech. Explore its features, videos and ribbon compatibility, then request a product quote. For unwanted plastic cards or batches you would like us to handle, use our industrial shredding service.
Plastic card and ribbon recycling questions
Is PVC a good plastic for recycling?
Yes. PVC can be recycled repeatedly while retaining useful performance. Clean, separated PVC can therefore be a valuable resource, rather than waste. A suitable recycling route and the material formulation still matter.
How does PVC compare with other plastics for recycling?
PVC’s ability to be reprocessed several times is a useful strength. There is no single ranking that applies to every plastic product: construction, contamination and local recycling facilities affect the outcome. For our service, suitable PVC cards without electronics or adhesive are a better fit than mixed-material cards.
Can I recycle plastic cards that have already been printed?
Yes, suitable printed plastic cards can be considered, including large volumes of obsolete stock. Printing alone does not determine acceptance: we need to assess the card construction, electronic components and any adhesive.
Can I recycle plastic card ribbons after use?
We offer used-ribbon destruction and separate the cores from the foil. Where possible, suitable plastics are sent for recycling. We cannot promise that every ribbon component can be recycled.
Can we watch our ribbons and cards being destroyed?
Yes. Request witnessed destruction when contacting us. Bring the agreed material by arrangement and observe while Cardtech operators run the shredder.
What if we do not know the exact quantity or plastic type?
Provide your best estimate in cards, ribbons, kilograms or boxes, and say which details are unknown. For boxes, include approximate dimensions or weight if available. We will discuss the information needed to assess your batch and arrange shredding or provide a quote.
How much does shredding and recycling cost?
Shredding is included free of charge for ribbons and cards purchased from Cardtech. For material purchased elsewhere, please contact us for a quote. Tell us the material type and estimated volume, and whether you want to witness destruction or sign it over to us. All visits and material handovers must be arranged in advance.
Tell us about your stock
Request a shredding & recycling quote
Use the form below to request a quote for plastic cards, used printer ribbons or a mixed batch. Include quantities for each material where possible. An estimate is fine; if a detail is unknown, say so. Fields marked * are required.
In your requirements: include your preferred timing, whether this is a once-off or recurring batch, and any destruction-confirmation requirements. Please do not include cardholder names, card numbers or other personal information from the material.
Alternatively, call 087 135 7135 or email sales@cardtech.co.za. Our facility is in Isando, Gauteng. Visits and material handovers must be arranged in advance.
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