Cable and Wire Recycling: Add Value to Your Industrial Waste

Importance of Cable and Wire Recycling in the Industrial Sector

Recycling cables and wires is essential for the proper management of industrial waste, considering the utilization of materials, especially metals such as copper and aluminum, and minimizing the environmental impacts caused by improper disposal.

Composition and Potential for Waste Valorization

Cables and wires used in industrial processes are mainly composed of metal conductors coated with plastic insulation. These materials, when properly directed to recycling, enable the recovery of valuable metals, reducing the extraction of natural resources and promoting a circular economy.

Applicable Norms and Legislation

Activities related to recycling and environmentally proper disposal of industrial waste are regulated by the National Solid Waste Policy – PNRS (Law No. 12,305/2010). PNRS establishes shared responsibility among generators, recyclers, and other stakeholders, as well as defining priorities for integrated waste management, encouraging recycling and reuse.

Furthermore, the National Information System on Solid Waste Management (SINIR), as established by Law No. 14,026/2020, requires the registration and monitoring of waste, ensuring transparency and compliance in disposal operations.

Technical Aspects and Recycling Processes

The cable and wire recycling process begins with collection, which must align with recommended practices for electronic waste, ensuring correct and responsible forwarding (electronic waste collection scheduling).

Subsequently, cables are shredded to separate metal conductors from plastic insulators. Mechanical and electromagnetic techniques are employed to extract metals such as copper, which can be reused in the manufacture of new industrial components, reducing the demand for mining.

Security and Data Management in Electronic Waste

Industrial sectors that discard media containing sensitive data, such as hard drives (HDs), must pay attention to proper sanitization and secure destruction procedures, ensuring information confidentiality (HD sanitization scheduling).

Environmental and Economic Benefits

Recycling cables and wires helps reduce soil and water pollution, as well as prevent the release of toxic substances from the improper decomposition of materials. Economically, the reuse of metals lowers raw material costs and provides gains to the production chain.

Final Considerations

The proper handling and recycling of industrial cables and wires align with the best environmental practices and current regulations, providing tangible benefits for the environment and the management of industrial resources. Adherence to regulated processes and the pursuit of specialized services are essential for waste valorization and legal compliance.