Greener Composting gains year-round control with Pronar 1.300 slow-speed shredder

West Midlands-based Greener Composting has strengthened its processing capability after investing in a Pronar 1.300 slow-speed shredder, supplied by Global Machinery Solutions

By moving away from contractor-led shredding, the business now processes material on its own schedule, delivers consistent output grading, and handles up to 35,000 tonnes of green waste annually - while producing end products for agricultural and energy use.

Results at a glance

• Processes 600–700 tonnes per day
• Handles approximately 35,000 tonnes per year
• Eliminated reliance on external shredding contractors
• Greater operational flexibility across seasonal peaks
• Capable of processing large tree stumps and difficult materials
• Produces graded end products for agriculture and biofuel
• Minimal downtime supported by responsive service backup

Background

Greener Composting is owned and operated by Richard Ryman, an arable farmer managing a 250-acre farm where he grows potatoes and cereals and runs a maize maze attraction. Established more than 20 years ago, the composting business recycles garden waste from across the West Midlands.

The site accepts green waste from Lichfield, Tamworth and Walsall local authorities, alongside material from local tree surgeons, landscapers and small skip operators.

Like many green waste facilities, throughput is seasonal. Activity peaks around Easter and throughout June and July, before slowing in late summer. Autumn and winter are quieter in domestic gardening terms, although tree surgery work maintains a steady baseline intake.

The challenge

Operating at a smaller scale than major regional recycling centres, Greener Composting previously relied on a contractor to bring a shredder onsite every two to three weeks. The contractor would typically remain for around a week to clear accumulated material.

Although effective, this approach created logistical constraints. Processing was tied to fixed windows, limiting flexibility during peak intake periods and requiring ongoing contractor expenditure.

Richard wanted greater control over workflow, improved responsiveness to material volumes, and the ability to produce consistent output grades.

The solution: investing in a Pronar 1.300 slow-speed shredder

Working closely with Jason Purllant, Recycling Sales Manager at Global Machinery Solutions, Richard assessed multiple Pronar models, but it was the 1.300 that stood out. Its interchangeable baskets - enabling precise control over output particle size - combined with its throughput capability and strong value proposition, proved decisive.

The low-speed, high-torque design was particularly suited to handling contaminated green waste streams while minimising wear and reducing the risk of damage.

Producing consistent, graded end products

Four years on, the Pronar 1.300 is central to site operations.

The machine allows operators to process material as required, maintaining steady workflow and eliminating reliance on contractors. It consistently handles bulky and difficult inputs - including large tree stumps - without compromising performance.

The shredder now processes approximately 600–700 tonnes per day. Across the year, this equates to around 35,000 tonnes, although 2025 volumes were slightly lower due to prolonged hot weather reducing grass growth.

Crucially, the ability to adjust output size using interchangeable baskets enables Greener Composting to categorise its processed material into clearly defined end uses:

• Smaller shredded material is used on local farmland to improve soil structure and nutrient content, supporting arable crop production
• Medium-sized material is utilised as a rough biofuel feedstock
• Oversized fractions are reprocessed through the shredder to achieve the desired specification

This grading capability ensures minimal waste, maximises material value, and supports both agricultural and energy recovery markets.

Richard Ryman, Owner of Greener Composting, said: “Our Pronar 1.300 has been an excellent investment, providing us with the flexibility to shred green waste at our convenience and keep the site moving. We’ve had a couple of maintenance issues to sort, but Global Machinery Solutions’ service team and engineers resolved them straight away to keep downtime to a minimum.

“The slow-speed 1.300 is ideal because it will handle difficult materials, even large tree stumps, without causing damage.

“The interchangeable baskets allow us to control product size and ensure material goes to the right end market, whether that’s agriculture or biofuel. We’re delighted with the Pronar and with how Global works with us to keep the shredder performing at its best.”

Jason Purllant, Recycling Sales Manager at Global Machinery Solutions, said: “Greener Composting required a robust, flexible solution capable of delivering consistent throughput while producing defined output grades. It’s also fantastic to see the machine supporting both agricultural improvement and energy recovery applications. Our priority is always to maximise uptime and long-term return on investment, and we’re proud to continue supporting Richard and his team.”

To speak to Global Machinery Solutions about your shredding needs, call 01476 568384, email sales@globalmachinerysolutions.co.uk or visit www.globalmachinerysolutions.co.uk