How Should Different Types of Scrap Cables Be Recycled

Scrap cable recycling is not a uniform process. Different cable structures, conductor materials, and reinforcement designs require different recycling technologies. Selecting the appropriate recycling method is critical to maximising metal recovery rates, protecting processing equipment, and reducing operating costs. In practical applications, most scrap cable recycling can be effectively categorised into three main solutions: cable stripping machines, copper wire recycling machines, and ACSR recycling systems.

1. Cable Stripping Machines: Large-Diameter & High-Value Cables
For cables with large conductor diameters and relatively simple structures, cable stripping machines are the most efficient solution. Mechanical stripping directly separates the insulation from the conductor, keeping the metal intact, clean segments and minimising metal loss. When cable dimensions are uniform, stripping provides high recovery rates, low energy consumption, and ease of operation—making it the ideal choice for recyclers handling high-value, standardised scrap.

2. Copper Wire Recycling Machines: High-volume for Mixed & Small-Diameter
For smaller-diameter, mixed, or flexible cables, copp with capacities ranging from 50 kg/h to 1000 kg/h are the preferred solution. This category includes low-voltage household wires, LAN cables, control cables, automotive wiring harnesses, communication cables, and mixed scrap cables, which typically contain copper or aluminium conductors with PVC or rubber insulation. These systems apply industrial shredding and separation processes—such as crushing, magnetic separation, air separation, and screening—to effectively separate metals from plastics. They are capable of processing large volumes of scrap and producing high-purity copper granules suitable for direct sale or further processing. Due to their versatility and stable output quality, copper granulation lines are widely used in small to medium-sized recycling plants.

3. ACSR Recycling Systems: For Steel-Reinforced Cables
ACSR (Aluminium Conductor Steel Reinforced) cables require a completely different approach and cannot be processed using standard stripping or granulation equipment. The presence of a high-strength steel core causes excessive wear and poor separation performance in conventional copper or aluminium granulators. Dedicated ACSR recycling systems are specifically designed to address this challenge. These systems cut and crush the cables, then apply magnetic separation technology to accurately separate aluminium from steel by utilising the magnetic properties of steel and the non-magnetic nature of aluminium.

In conclusion, effective scrap cable recycling depends on selecting the appropriate recycling technology for each cable type. Regardless of the equipment used, proper pre-sorting remains a critical step. Separating copper cables from aluminium cables, and standard cables from steel-reinforced cables, can significantly improve processing efficiency and reduce unnecessary equipment wear. For more information about our machines or to arrange a factory visit—either onsite or virtually—please do not hesitate to contact our sales team.

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