Vertech mobile picking stations

A picking station is a dedicated sorting point used in waste and recycling operations where workers manually remove specific items from a moving waste stream.

Various materials are fed via a conveyor belt into a controlled area, where operators can identify, pick and separate items based on defined recovery goals.

These stations serve as a critical link between bulk material handling and quality control, helping facilities recover valuable recyclables and reduce contamination before further processing.

A mobile picking station works where you need it, when you need it. By removing the rigidity of fixed infrastructure, it gives operators the freedom to respond to changing waste streams, contracts and site demands.

This versatility is especially useful for:

• Regional councils managing diverse and shifting waste streams
• Waste management industry contractors who are operating across multiple sites or service areas
• Short-term or seasonal processing requirements
• Facilities preparing for staged automation

The unit can be repositioned in a facility or transported between sites with minimal disruption. Target FOGO contamination one week, and C&D recovery the next, all without the need for multiple static setups.

Yes. For smaller operators, a picking station provides a practical entry point into mechanical sorting without the cost of a full materials recovery facility upgrade.

You’ll be able to improve recovery immediately while keeping future expansion options open. This scalable system can operate as a:

• Standalone sorting solution
• Pre-sort stage before automation
• Temporary setup during upgrades
• Contamination control unit

As operations grow, it’s designed to integrate seamlessly with additional equipment like trommel screens, scalping screeners and air separators.

This strategic, staged approach allows you to expand your recovery capabilities over time instead of committing to large upfront capital works.

Compared to manual floor sorting, a picking station can lift efficiency by at least 30%. As materials arrive at a consistent pace in a controlled environment, operators can work faster and with greater accuracy.

Plus, adjustable belt speeds, magnet separation, and air-blower systems make it easy to fine-tune performance to each waste profile.

This level of control enables facilities to:

• Increase material purity
• Recover multiple streams in a single pass
• Cut down residual waste sent to landfill
• Adjust quickly to seasonal changes or contract requirements

Importantly, even small gains in purity deliver real financial impact. Lower contamination reduces landfill levies, improves the value of recovered materials and supports compliance with contract KPIs.

For councils, higher purity can strengthen diversion reporting and deliver more consistent environmental outcomes.

Picking station size depends on the required configuration. Units start at approximately 10 metres in length and can be extended with extra bays to suit larger operations or higher throughput requirements.

Yes. Each picking station’s layout, capacity, and supporting systems can be tailored to your operations. Available configurations include:

• Two-bay systems for up to four operators
• Three-bay systems for up to six operators
• Mobile, fifth-wheel and tracked options for transport

Additional features, like air separation units and magnetic systems for metal removal, can also be integrated to target specific materials.

At Waste Initiatives, we work directly with Vertech’s manufacturing team to influence how picking stations are built from the outset.

This durable equipment is specifically designed to perform reliably in Australian operating conditions, rather than being retrofitted after import.

Yes. Operator comfort is an essential part of the Vertech picking station design. Fully-enclosed, climate-controlled cabins feature air conditioning, lighting and dust control to create a safe working space that powers productivity on the line.

Unlike many imported systems that prioritise heating over cooling, this temperature-controlled environment helps teams working in Australia’s hottest regions to avoid fatigue, maintain picking speed and accuracy, and stay safe on every shift.

Yes. Mobile picking stations are ideal for regional and remote facilities. Their transportable design allows them to be deployed where needed without the cost or delays of major infrastructure works.

Plus, the self-contained unit’s onboard Kubota generator powers its operations on isolated sites without fixed services.

Lastly, our network of qualified local technicians and widely available spare parts make servicing simple throughout Australia. Minimise downtime and maintain consistent performance, anywhere.

Mobile picking stations reduce the upfront costs tied to fixed installations. Traditional static plants often require significant civil works and setup expenses that can’t be recovered.

A mobile unit, on the other hand, can be relocated, repurposed or resold as a complete asset, making financing more accessible and driving long-term value.

For growing businesses, this flexibility minimises risk while still delivering immediate performance improvements.

Yes. Our experienced engineers can train your team quickly through on-site instruction and a short video. Enjoy peace of mind knowing workers will know how to use this equipment safely, as soon as possible.

When it comes to the picking station itself, your unit will be ready to run with minimal setup once fitted.