Good Practices for Treating Cables That Have Reached Their Service Life

At Prysmian Colombia we promote sustainability and care for the environment. Therefore, here we give you a clear and simple guide to responsibly handle cables that have ended their useful life, making the most of their materials and reducing the environmental impact. Remember! Proper recycling makes all the difference.

1. Cable Classification

Before we begin, it's important to classify cables according to their type:

- Electrical cords (such as power cords)

- Network cables, such as fiber optic cables

By sorting them, we facilitate their processing in recycling centers, ensuring that each type of material receives the proper treatment.

2. Reuse or donation

Are they still in good condition? If so, consider reusing them or donating them to communities, schools, or people who may need them. This is a great way to extend their lifespan and support those who can benefit from them.

3. Take the cables to certified recycling centers

The best way to recycle cables is to take them to recycling centres specialising in electronic waste or to recycling points. These sites have the technology to separate and recover valuable materials, such as copper, aluminum, and plastic, which can be reincorporated into the manufacture of new products.

In cities like Bogota, Medellin, and Cali, you'll find recycling points suitable for cables and other e-waste. Always check that the recycling center is equipped for safe and responsible processing.

4. Maximizes material recovery

By recycling cables, several materials can be recovered:

- Copper and aluminum: These metals, especially copper, are highly recyclable and have great value in the market.

- Plastic: Plastic insulation can be recycled in some centers for other uses.

- Fiber optics: This type of cable contains glass and special polymers, which makes recycling more complex but not impossible in specialized centers.

5. font-weight: 400; Promote the circular economy

Always choose to recycle in centers that promote the **circular economy**, an approach that allows recycled materials to be reused in the creation of new products, avoiding sending them to landfills or incineration.

6. Maintain responsible use

For the future, select good quality cables and take care of their use to extend their useful life. Also, consider products that are designed to be recyclable or made with more sustainable materials.

Never dispose of cables in the regular trash. These can contain heavy metals and other components that, when decomposed, release toxins that are harmful to the soil and water sources.

With small actions like these, at Prysmian Colombia we work together towards a cleaner and more sustainable future.