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As an individual or business owner, you have likely experienced those annoying moments when you have a pile of cables you don’t know what to do with, but you recognize that you shouldn’t simply throw them in the trash. Today, we want to share with you how to manage your CAT 5 cable recycling.

What is a CAT 5 Cable?

The technical method to explain what CAT 5 cables is that they are a type of wiring product used around the world for communication data transfer. For the average individual, you most commonly see these as ethernet cables to connect homes and businesses to the internet and telephone.

To give a brief explanation, the “CAT” in “CAT 5” denotes the manufacturer specifications of the cable. The “5” in “CAT 5” demonstrates the speed of the cable; the higher the number, the faster the download speed and connection.

Why Should I Recycle CAT 5 Cables?

Global urbanization and the constant influx of new technology have produced an outstanding amount of electronic waste. Unfortunately, improper electronic waste disposal can devastate the environment, including severe air, soil, and groundwater pollution. Additionally, when these products are not recycled, they must be replaced with virgin materials, which are far more expensive and damaging to the environment to produce than simply recycling what already exists.

Individuals and business owners need to recycle their electronic waste, including CAT 5 cables, to create a more sustainable and circular economy. In doing so, they will help reduce environmental emissions, decrease landfill solid waste pressures, and save energy and water sources.

When is it Time for CAT 5 Cable Recycling?

There are two instances when you will likely need to proceed with CAT 5 cable recycling, updating and replacement.

First, as with all technology, communication cables have a shelf life. As technology improves, old products become less functional, so homes and businesses must update to keep up with the times. For example, no one uses CAT 3 cables anymore, but they were the cream of the crop technology from 1990 to 2000. For business owners completing a tech update, you will likely have a pile of CAT 5 cables that should go to recycling. In doing so, you can not only help your environment, but you can promote your green efforts to your customer base.

The second reason you may need to initiate CAT 5 cable recycling is if the cable becomes frayed or damaged. Like any product, CAT 5 cables can experience wear and tear over time. Therefore, when they become overtly damaged, they will need to be replaced for safety and efficiency.

How Should I Recycle CAT 5 Cabling?

Unfortunately, it is unlikely that you will be able to simply toss your CAT 5 cables into your recycling bin and have them picked up along with your glass and newspaper. Most city recycling programs do not have the means to recycle these cables, so they get trashed instead.

To secure proper recycling for CAT 5 cables, you will need to research your local amenities. Some electronic stores may offer recycling options to customers. Depending on the company, they may offer store credit trade, free recycling, or recycling at a small fee.

Alternatively, recycling centers specializing in metal recycling typically take CAT 5 cables and other electronic waste. We recommend researching your local recycling centers to determine which will take your cables.

I’m Ready for CAT 5 Cable Recycling

If you are located in or around Plano, Texas, you can recycle your CAT 5 cables with us! We are experts in scrap metal recycling, and we want to help you become sustainable in any way we can. Contact Community Recycling Plano to learn more about the CAT 5 cable recycling process and how it can benefit your business.