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Cable insulation

Composition

Mostly consists of polymers such as PVC, polyethylene, or rubber. It may contain additives (phthalates, plasticizers) for flexibility and heat resistance.

Environmental impact

Cable insulation is persistent and difficult to break down, decomposing into microplastics. Proper recycling separates metal conductors and reuses plastic, reducing resource exploitation and CO₂ emissions.

Disposal instructions

Dispose of it at a recycling yard or hand it over to an authorized collector of electrical and electronic waste.

Factoid

In the 1840s, the first telegraph cables did not have plastic insulation but used gutta-percha — a natural resin from tropical trees.