Gets messy, but yes it could work if tension was placed on the tote to keep the kerf from re-closing.

Why not use a chainsaw to knock it down, or just mash it flat with an excavator bucket? Some reason it can't be re-used instead of shredded?

Units are not suitable for recertifying.
I vision a tunnel with 3 wires spaced across 3/4 of the width of the tote with each wire having a splay blade immediately behind it to keep the parts separate.
Do you know of a company that has any involvement with Hot Wire production equipment?

Here you go - look at how fast it works https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_RZhCARZcg

Don't worry about the smokey fire, there aren't that many cancer-causing chemicals released in the process and only a small chance of setting the plastic factory on fire.

I must be missing something. Do you have 500 of these totes per day?
Don't make it hard: use a circular saw or a reciprocating saw to break it down.

I did this for a 8-foot diameter x 6-foot high polyethylene tank once upon a time. I "acquired" it as salvage from my company, thinking I'd turn it into the most awesome hot tub the planet has ever seen. The Freight Train of Life hit me, and I ran out of time. I needed to put it into my trash cans. Circular saw made quick work of it. I had to use the shop vac to suck up the PE chips.

TygerDawg
Blue Technik LLC
Manufacturing Engineering Consulting
www.bluetechnik.com

Quote (3DDave)

Don't worry about the smokey fire, there aren't that many cancer-causing chemicals released in the process

As long as you don't do it in California you should be safe.