Every year, millions of tonnes of cable waste end up in landfill sites, releasing harmful toxins into the atmosphere and wasting valuable materials. Recycling cables isn’t just about getting rid of scrap. It’s about sustainability, reducing waste and protecting our planet for future generations. Let’s break down the environmental benefits of cable recycling and why it’s time to make a change.
The Growing Problem of Cable Waste
The demand for electrical wire is higher than ever, but that comes with an alarming amount of waste:
- Electrical waste is one of the fastest-growing waste streams worldwide.
- In 2022, the world generated approximately 62 million tonnes of e-waste, including cables, with only a fraction being recycled, this figure was up 82% from 2010. This is also expected to increase by 33% (82 million tonnes) by 2030.
- Copper and aluminium in cables take hundreds of years to degrade, meaning they sit in landfills if not recycled.
By recycling cables, we can recover these valuable materials and prevent them from becoming waste.
Reducing Carbon Emissions & Energy Use
Extracting raw metals from the earth requires massive amounts of energy. Producing copper from recycled cables, however, uses 85% less energy than mining new copper (International Copper Association).
Less energy = fewer carbon materials = a healthier planet.
Aluminium recycling also reduces emissions, as producing aluminium from scrap saves 95% of the energy needed to refine it from raw bauxite (International Aluminium).
Preventing Toxic Pollution
When cables end up in landfills, they break down slowly, releasing toxins into the soil and water. Burning cables to extract metals – an illegal but common practice – releases dangerous dioxins and heavy metals into the air. These pollutants harm both the environment and human health.
By recycling cables, we keep these toxic substances out of landfills and reduce air and water contamination.
Conserving Natural Resources
Mining for copper, aluminium and other metals results in an increase in deforestation, soil erosion, water pollution, habitat destruction and more, all of which can be reduced with an increase in metal recycling. Recycling just one tonne of copper saves 500kg of carbon emissions and prevents the extraction of thousands of kilograms of earth.
When cables are recycled, their materials are reprocessed and reused – keeping them in circulation instead of being discarded. This is what’s known as the circular economy, a system that minimises waste and maximises resource efficiency.
Businesses that recycle their cables contribute to a more sustainable supply chain, reducing reliance on virgin materials and promoting ethical sourcing.
Time to Act: Start Recycling Your Cables!
The environmental benefits of cable recycling are undeniable. From reducing carbon emissions to preventing pollution and conserving natural resources, recycling your waste cables is a simple yet powerful way to make a difference.
Get in contact today and let’s work together for a greener, cleaner future.
