The recycling of electrical cables is a fundamental activity from both an environmental and economic perspective. Proper disposal of these materials means reducing environmental impact, recovering valuable resources such as copper and nickel, and complying with current regulations.
In this guide, we will explore why recycling electrical cables is worthwhile, what the regulations are in Italy, how the recycling process works, and what benefits it brings, also for companies.
Why recycling electrical cables is worthwhile
Recycling electrical cables is not only an environmental duty, but also an economic opportunity. Cables contain valuable metals and plastic materials that, if recovered, can be reintroduced into production cycles, reducing the need to extract new raw materials.
Components to recover: copper, nickel, and plastic (PVC)
- Copper: a valuable metal contained in cables, highly conductive and 100% recyclable without loss of quality.
- Nickel: a high-value metal that is fully recyclable. Recycling is also essential due to its environmental impact during extraction.
- Plastic (PVC): used as insulation, it can be recovered and reused in various industrial sectors.
The goal of a circular economy is based on the recovery of these materials while simultaneously reducing industrial production costs and preserving limited natural resources.
Regulations and rules for electrical cable disposal in Italy
In Italy, end-of-life electrical cables are classified as WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) and are subject to specific regulations:
- Legislative Decree 152/2006 and Legislative Decree 205/2010: define waste management rules and producer responsibility.
- European Directive 2012/19/EU and Legislative Decree 49/2014: regulate the recovery and recycling of WEEE across the European Union.
Correct disposal is mandatory by law and requires delivery to authorized collection centers or use of operators registered in the Environmental Managers Register.
From cable to new material: the recycling process step by step
The industrial recycling process of electrical cables involves several stages:
- Collection and sorting: cables are separated by type and material.
- Shredding: reduction into fragments to facilitate component separation.
- Mechanical separation: use of separators and sieves to divide plastics and metals.
- Material cleaning: removal of impurities to obtain high-quality raw materials.
- Recovery of copper and nickel: metals are melted and reintroduced into the market, supporting a true circular economy.
Electrical cable recycling for companies: obligations and best practices
Companies that generate wiring waste must follow a precise procedure:
- Identify the EER/CER waste code
- Fill in the Waste Identification Form (FIR).
- Record operations in the MUD and, from 2025, in RENTRI (National Electronic Waste Tracking Register).
Best practices for companies:
- Work with certified operators.
- Schedule periodic collection of discarded cables.
- Monitor waste flows to reduce waste and costs.
Benefits and opportunities of electrical cable recycling
Recycling electrical cables brings significant advantages:
- Environmental: reduction of landfill waste, lower impact from mining activities, reduction of COâ‚‚ emissions.
- Economic: recovery of valuable metals, savings on raw materials, and potential profit from selling recycled materials.
