Recycling of Cables and Wires with Environmental Certification in São Paulo

Introduction to Cable and Wire Recycling in São Paulo

Cable and wire recycling is a fundamental process for responsible environmental management, especially in the state of São Paulo, where the generation of electronic waste is significant. The proper disposal of these materials contributes to pollution reduction and the reuse of valuable components such as copper and insulating polymers. This article addresses the technical and regulatory aspects of recycling with environmental certification, highlighting practices that comply with current legislation.

Applicable Environmental Regulations

According to Law No. 12,305/2010, which establishes the National Solid Waste Policy (PNRS), proper management of electronic waste, including cables and wires, is mandatory. Article 33 of the aforementioned law establishes shared responsibility for the product life cycle, encompassing manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers.

At the state level, CETESB (Environmental Company of the State of São Paulo) regulates the technical procedures for treatment and final disposal of such waste, following the guidelines of the PNRS. To carry out these processes, obtaining environmental certification that verifies compliance with specific standards, such as NBR ISO 14001, is required, ensuring effective environmental management.

Technical Process of Cable and Wire Recycling

Recycling includes stages of collection, sorting, mechanical or chemical stripping, and separation of copper and insulating material. Proper separation ensures the return of metals to the production process, reducing mineral extraction and environmental impact.

It is important to highlight that the collection of electronic waste, including cables and wires, must be carried out through authentic systems that ensure traceability and correct disposal, according to guidelines found at electronic scheduling. This traceability is a fundamental requirement for environmental certification and compliance with current legislation.

Environmental Certification and Compliance

Environmental certification proves that cable and wire recycling complies with technical and legal standards, mitigating environmental risks such as soil and water contamination by heavy metals and toxic substances. This certification is granted through audits that evaluate infrastructure, processes, and environmental management practices.

In the case of the disposal of storage media, such as HDDs, it is essential to adopt specialized procedures to ensure information security. This practice is aligned with the best data sanitization techniques for disposal, available at electronic scheduling.

Challenges and Benefits of Certified Recycling

Among the challenges for the sector in São Paulo are efficient selective collection, combating informality, and technological improvement in recycling processes. Environmental certification acts as an encouraging mechanism for adopting sustainable and responsible practices.

The benefits include reducing the extraction of natural resources, decreasing environmental pollution, and fostering the circular economy, aligned with the guidelines established by the National Solid Waste Policy (Law No. 12,305/2010) and state legislation.

Final Considerations

Certified cable and wire recycling in São Paulo represents an essential practice for sustainability and legal compliance. Compliance with national and state legislation, combined with rigorous technical processes, ensures the proper reuse of materials and mitigation of associated environmental impacts.

It is crucial that managers responsible for ESG, EHS, procurement, IT, and legal areas stay updated on the regulations and adhere to certified systems to ensure efficient environmental management of this waste.