When you think of recycling, you may often think of separating cans and plastic materials and putting them in recycling bins. The last thing on your mind may be the recycling of cabling. Old wires and cords can often accumulate in a person's garage before making it into the dumpster. However, there are plenty of reasons why you should take your old cables and recycle them instead.
Reducing Environmental Waste
Everything you throw into a trashcan or dumpster eventually ends up in a landfill. Unfortunately, overflowing landfills are a huge concern in the United States. In some states, the problem is so out of hand that they are burning the landfills. Although that reduces waste buildup, the process releases toxic gases into the atmosphere, which is bad for the environment. By recycling cables, you are helping to reduce waste that ends up in landfills.
Reduced Risk of Health Problems
Communication and data cabling found in commercial buildings often raises great concern. The use of fluoropolymer for both jacketing and insulation is on the rise. Although not necessarily common, exposure to products containing fluoropolymer may cause respiratory illnesses with symptoms that appear flu-like.
There is also an increase in concern involving the accumulation of lead dust on the floors and in the ceilings of commercial buildings. There are approximately 11 million miles of communication and data cabling found throughout commercial buildings. Much of the cabling found in these buildings contains PVC, which uses lead during the heat stabilization process and can cause lead dust to build up.
Recycling Reduces Manufacturing
By choosing to recycle old cables and wires, you are helping to reduce the risk of cable manufacturing. Factories that produce cables for data and communications often produce a lot of toxic gases that are released into the atmosphere. Recycling cables allows them to be reused, which means manufacturers do not have to work as hard to produce necessary cables.
Recycle Cables Near You
Rather than letting old cables sit in your garage and collect dust, take them to a local cable recycling facility near you. Cable recycling machines make short work of cables no matter what size they are or what they are used for. If you are unsure if the cables you have can be recycled, talk to a local expert. A cable recycling professional can answer all your questions and provide you with the information you need to properly dispose of your cables.
For more information on cable recycling, contact a professional near you.
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