Affordable or DIY Shredders?

I'm looking for something like a big paper shredder like you would see in a scrap yard for shedding metal but without breaking the bank. Wood chippers come close but are expensive and usually use blades so they probably can't process rocks or metal.

Really looking for something that I can just throw carboard, roof tiles, cans, wood, vines or whatever to crush up for mulch or easier recycling. I'd imagine specialized industrial equipment like that would be expensive but maybe somebody has abused a woodchipper and could recommend one for this purpose.

Has anyone built their own or converted a lawnmower or paper shedder? I don't have a machine shop but do have an old washing machine motor that may have enough torque. Would gears jam up or would I need a proper "shredder" gearbox?


This company sold them in the eu but their website is not longer around, any US alternatives?



I know computer recycling/repair shops have hard drive shredders but those usually are quite specialized & expensive (some wipe with magnets before shredding etcetera).

A couple of years ago I came accross the 'precious plastic' site.  An open source scheme to enable dispersed small scale plastic recycling based in Holland.  It still isn't cheap, but here is the link to their shredder information.  There should be a link somewhere to download the plans still, try this one.