Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) and Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF) are high-quality alternative fuels produced through a systematic process of waste treatment, sorting, and resource recovery. As key components of the “waste differentiation, recovery, and recycling chain,” RDF and SRF provide a cost-effective and reliable energy source while significantly reducing landfill use, transportation, and disposal costs.
RDF/SRF Production Process
RDF/SRF production generally involves several stages: primary shredding, screening, separation, removal of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, and final shredding to achieve a uniform particle size and consistent fuel quality. Advanced plants may also include drying, densification, and additional sorting steps depending on the material characteristics and end-user requirements.
The process design is highly flexible. For example, high-moisture or heterogeneous waste streams may require additional pre-treatment or separation units, whereas more homogeneous industrial residues may follow a simplified workflow. Customization ensures that fuel quality, calorific value, and regulatory compliance are consistently met.
Project Example
Every RDF/SRF production project is unique, reflecting the types of waste processed, local regulations, and the requirements of end users. Below is an example of a large-scale RDF production line supplied to one of China’s leading resource recovery enterprises.
CPEP RDF Production Project
Zhongyuan Environmental Protection (CPEP), the largest waste treatment enterprise in China, has been a leader in circular economy practices for years. GEP ECOTECH established a strategic partnership with CPEP in 2017 to provide advanced, high-performance waste processing solutions that modernize facilities and maximize resource recovery.
In 2025, this partnership was expanded with the delivery of a complete RDF production line (featured in the video above). The system processes a wide range of challenging waste streams, including fashion waste, industrial residues, and textile factory offcuts. Through integrated shredding, separation, and refinement processes, these materials are converted into high-quality alternative fuels.
The final RDF product is supplied to a state-owned cement plant, replacing fossil fuels in energy-intensive processes. This substitution reduces the plant’s carbon footprint while lowering operational fuel costs. With a total project investment of 20 million RMB, this facility serves as an industry benchmark for efficiency, sustainability, and economic value in large-scale RDF/SRF production.
GEP ECOTECH RDF/SRF Equipment
GEP ECOTECH provides a full range of RDF/SRF production equipment designed for high efficiency, durability, and adaptability to diverse waste types. Key equipment includes:
- Double-Shaft Shredder – High throughput and excellent material adaptability, suitable for primary shredding of bulky, complex, or heterogeneous waste streams.
- Single-Shaft Shredder – Provides precise, controllable output size with lower energy consumption, ideal for secondary shredding or fine material processing.
- Baler / Pressing Machine – Compresses loose materials for easier storage, transport, and consistent feeding to downstream equipment.
- RDF Pelletizer – Converts processed waste into dense fuel pellets, enhancing calorific value, transport efficiency, and combustion performance in cement kilns, boilers, or power plants.
RDF Plant, Refuse-Derived Fuel Recycling
Additional supporting systems can be integrated to form a complete RDF/SRF production line, including conveyors, magnetic separators, eddy current separators, wind sifters, screening units, dust collection systems, and drying equipment. This enables fully automated, high-capacity operation with consistent fuel quality.
Equipment selection and system configuration are tailored to the client’s specific waste streams, moisture content, impurity levels, production targets, and site conditions. GEP ECOTECH emphasizes modular, customizable solutions that ensure reliable operation, maximize resource recovery, and optimize investment efficiency.
By combining advanced equipment technology with flexible system design, GEP ECOTECH helps industry clients achieve sustainable, cost-effective, and high-quality RDF/SRF production tailored to their operational needs.
