Disposal of cables at the "end of life"; some of the environmental considerations

Underground cables form an efficient and environmentally attractive means by which to supply electrical power and transmit information. Cables for both energy and data transmission are designed and manufactured for many years of problem-free operation, normally in the range of 10 to 30 years. However, it is clear that, for a variety of reasons, these cables will reach a point at which they can no longer operate, the so-called end of life (EOL). At this point, actions need to be taken on the fate of these cables. Often the decision may be either leave in situ or remove. This paper focuses on some of the many issues that need to be faced when the remove option is selected. The paper does not explicitly address the issues associated with disposal of paper cables, which have the added complexities of mixed materials: paper and polymer, oil, and lead. However, it should be noted that some of the considerations (separation of metals, the importance of separation, reuse of materials that are no longer approved, and disposal of insulation materials) are likely.