Recycling of Telecommunication Cables in São Paulo

Introduction to Telecommunications Cable Recycling

Telecommunications cables, composed of precious metals and plastic materials, require an appropriate recycling process to ensure efficient resource recovery and minimize environmental impacts. In São Paulo, the sustainable management of these wastes is regulated and supervised by environmental agencies, being essential for compliance with current legislation.

Applicable Legislation and Environmental Guidelines

The National Solid Waste Policy (Law No. 12,305/2010) establishes the legal framework regulating the management of solid waste, including discarded telecommunications cables. At the state level in São Paulo, CETESB oversees and guides recycling practices in accordance with SMA Resolution No. 48/2015, which addresses the environmental management of industrial and construction solid waste. These regulations determine the correct disposal, storage, and routing for recycling of cables, promoting the circular economy.

Technical Process of Telecommunications Cable Recycling

Recycling begins with the selective collection of cables, which must be carried out by trained agents to avoid the dispersion of heavy metals and synthetic components into the environment. In São Paulo, specialized services provide scheduling for electronic waste collection, including cables, ensuring compliance with legislation and operational safety (scheduling).

After collection, the cables undergo mechanical processes of segmentation, shredding, and separation of metallic materials (copper, aluminum) and plastics. Advanced sorting and decontamination techniques are employed to maximize the purity of the recovered materials. These are subsequently sent to recycling industries for reintegration into the production chain.

Security and Safe Disposal of Associated Media

In addition to cables, there is often a need for the safe disposal of media and electronic devices that store data, such as hard drives (HDs). Specific sanitization procedures ensure the irreversible elimination of sensitive data. For service compliant with best technical practices and regulations, an electronic media sanitization scheduling service is available.

Environmental and Economic Benefits of Recycling

Recycling telecommunications cables significantly contributes to reducing the extraction of natural resources, decreasing soil and water pollution, and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Economically, it promotes the creation of green jobs and enhances the value of recovered materials, aligning with corporate and governmental sustainability goals.

Conclusion

The proper management of telecommunications cable recycling in São Paulo is supported by precise legislation and specialized technology. Integration among environmental agencies, collection operators, and recycling facilities is essential to ensure the efficiency, safety, and environmental compliance of this process.