Recyclers are used to harvest resources from Debris Fields which are created whenever combat resulting in the destruction of ships occurs.
This is the only ship that can harvest those Debris Fields that orbit a planet after a battle where ships were destroyed. Although quite slow, this is almost completely risk free save the fuel costs. Because a debris field can not be scanned with present technology, it is very difficult to detect a fleet on a recycle mission.
Any ship or fleet can be sent on a recycle mission as long as at least one Recycler accompanies it. This means that an entire fleet can fleetsave as a recycle mission, making it partially or totally invisible to a Phalanx scan (see Fleetsaving). Their slow speed makes them perfect for long-term fleetsaving missions.
When attacking an enemy fleet, recyclers are dispatched ahead of time (because of their slow speed), timed to arrive shortly after the battle occurs. This allows them to recover the debris of destroyed ships, which can be “recycled” back at the home planet. Large fleet battles produce massive debris fields (requiring large numbers of Recyclers), and are a primary source of income for Fleeters.
Although they may be slow, recyclers can act as cargo ships. This is only recommended if you do not have sufficient cargo ships available, as Recyclers use much more fuel.
Slow, useless in combat, and rather expensive and not very fuel efficient. However, it can recoup its cost by filling its cargo hold just once at a Debris Field.
| Resource | Amount |
|---|---|
| Metal | 10000 |
| Crystal | 6000 |
| Deuterium | 2000 |
| Structural integrity | 16000 |
| Shield Power | 10 |
| Weapon Power | 1 |
| Cargo Capacity | 20000 Units |
| Base Speed | 2000 (4000) (6000) |
| Fuel Consumption | 300 (600) (900) |
| Espionage Probe | 5 |
| Solar Satellite | 5 |
| Deathstar | 250 |