Technology and new electronic devices have enormously changed our environments worldwide. While improving our ability to work and communicate, discarded wiring has also created deeply disturbing problems. The alarming truth is that electronic waste is one of the fasted growing pollutants around the world.
Emphatically, it’s imperative to keep electrical wiring out of the trash! Plastic wire coatings do not break down and when exposed to extreme heat, inevitably release harmful toxins into the environment.
Unfortunately, only a small amount of electrical waste is recycled with the rest going directly into landfills. That’s why it’s so important for every homeowner and builder to get up to speed on how to responsibly recycle electrical wiring waste
- One of the most convenient ways to recycle old chargers and electrical cables is to drop them off at a retail store with a recycling program. After a few quick clicks on your phone or computer, you can locate stores that take old batteries and wiring. Two retailers include Best Buy and London Drugs. Check out store websites before you go for specifics on what they can accept.
- A metal recycler typically accepts old copper-cored wiring and other small electronics. Search online for locations in your area and on your next errand run, include a visit to drop off your old wires and cables.
- If you have cables and chargers still in good working order, why not give them to a family member or friend who will put it to good use?
- Donate functioning electrical wiring to a thrift shop that sells electrical products. Not only are you keeping wiring out of the landfill, but you’ll be supporting a community shop that funds local charities and organizations.
- Savvy online sellers may find buyers for old electrical wiring to handy DIYers. List what you have on your local buy & sell platform and make a new customer happy who is looking for exactly what you have on hand.
- If you’re crafty or know someone else who is, old electrical wires can be upcycled into something new. Browse Pinterest or YouTube videos for how-tos on creating jewelry and wire art from old wires. Get inspired!
Fortunately, there are several methods of keeping old or unused electrical wires and cables out of our landfills. If you have a collection of electrical wiring waste gathering dust, we urge everyone to be responsible and recycle electrical wiring waste safely. Undeniably, there is no reason any electrical waste should ever be ‘thrown away’.
Our professional team at Walls Electrical Ltd. adheres to the highest environmental safety standards in every project. We appreciate the natural beauty of Vancouver Island and care about keeping it that way. After all, the animals that call the island home arrived here first and depend on us to protect them any way we can.
