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Recycling cables is an excellent way to reduce waste and earn money. However, not all cables are created equal – some have significantly higher value based on their material composition, copper or aluminium content and the ease of recycling. Whether you’re a contractor, electrician, or business owner, knowing the most valuable cable types to recycle can maximise your profits and support sustainability efforts.
This guide will cover the top 10 most valuable cable types, what cable percentages mean and what factors affect a cable’s recycling value.
What Are Cable Percentages in Cable Recycling?
When recycling cables, the value is often determined by the metal content they contain. The higher the percentage of metal content, the more valuable the cable, in most cases. The percentage refers to the amount of recoverable metal in the cable compared to the total material weight, including insulation. For instance:
- High Percentage (60% – 90%): These cables contain more metal and less insulation, making them more valuable.
- Medium Percentage (30% – 60%): These cables have a mix of metals and insulation, offering moderate value.
- Low Percentage (<30%): These cables have a lot more insulation and less metal, which lowers their recycling value.
The higher the percentage of metal, the more profitable the cable is for recycling. This means you will receive a higher return on a higher percentage of cables when you sell your cable to a recycling centre.
Let’s dive into some different cable types and take a look at how valuable they are, based on their average cable percentages.
Twin & Earth Cable
- Use: Domestic wiring in homes and buildings.
- Composition: Contains two insulated copper conductors and a bare earth wire.
- Value: Medium copper content (on average we see about 40-50%), making it a fairly valuable cable.
Armoured Cable (SWA – Steel Wire Armoured)
- Use: Power distribution in industrial and underground settings
- Composition: High copper or aluminium core, covered with steel for protection
- Value: While the steel lowers the metal percentage, the core’s copper or aluminium makes it highly valuable.
H07 Cable
- Use: Heavy-duty applications, such as generators and industrial machinery.
- Composition: Thick copper conductor with durable rubber insulation
- Value: High copper content (average of 60%). Shielding materials and insulation reduce the value slightly.
CAT5/CAT6 Data Cable
- Use: Networking and data transfer
- Composition: Contains several twisted pairs of copper wire, often shielded with insulation
- Value: Moderate copper content (average of 40%). Shielding materials and insulation reduce the value slightly.
Flex Cable
- Use: Temporary power solutions, tools and appliances
- Composition: Multiple copper conductors with flexible rubber or PVC insulation
- Value: Moderate (average of 30%), depending on the thickness of the copper core
Factors That Affect Cable Recycling Value
- Metal Type: Copper cables are generally more valuable than aluminium due to their higher conductivity and market demand.
- Metal Percentage: Cables with higher metal content are worth more. Removing insulation before recycling increases value but requires effort.
- Condition: Clean, unstripped cables are easier to process and may fetch a higher price.
- Market Demand: Metal prices fluctuate based on global demand, affecting the overall value of cables.
- Recycling Process: Some cables, like those with heavy insulation or mixed materials, require specialized recycling equipment, which can reduce value.
Why Recycle Your Old Cables?
Recycling cables isn’t just about earning money – it’s about conserving resources and reducing waste. Metals like copper and aluminium are finite, and recycling them helps preserve natural resources and reduces the need for mining. By recycling cables, you’re contributing to a circular economy and minimizing environmental impact.
Ready to Recycle Your Cables?
Now that you know the most valuable cable types to recycle and how their composition affects their worth, it’s time to start recycling! Whether you have leftover cables from a construction project or scrap wiring from a renovation, recycling your cables can put money in your pocket and support sustainability.
At Event Sparks Cable Recycling, we specialize in recycling non-ferrous metals and cables. From Twin & Earth to armoured cables, we accept a wide variety and offer competitive prices. Get in touch today and learn how you can turn your cable waste into cash!
