Electrical Cables

Electrical cables contain valuable metals such as copper and aluminium. These metals don't degrade and can be recycled infinitely.

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Electrical Cables

Why Recycle?

Electrical cables are generally composed of a metal conductor inner housed in a plastic insulation. Recycling cables aids in the resource recovery of both the metal and the plastic outer for reuse. The most common metals used are copper and aluminium. When recycled these metals don’t degrade which means they can be recycled indefinitely. Using recycled metals results in a reduction of emissions compared to producing them from raw materials.  Copper, aluminium and oil (from which plastic is derived) are all finite resources, so recycling helps preserve our natural resources.

Recycling Options

Most scrap metal recyclers will accept all types of metal electrical cables.  This service can be provided through a collection box on-site or drop-off points at the facility. Metal recyclers will pay market price for the metal contained within the electrical cables. E-waste recyclers will also accept electrical cable for recycling, through both collection and drop-off services.

What Happens When It’s Recycled?

Recycling plants will granulate and then separate the metal from the insulation. Using this process, the plastic is removed and the copper, aluminium or other metals present are separated magnetically for recycling. These metals are then smelted for reuse in new metal products. Similarly the plastic is melted and extruded for reuse.