Supporting Sustainability in 2025 with Our Cable Drum Recycling Scheme
As the UK's largest stockist & distributor of electrical cables and cable accessories, Cleveland Cable Company takes pride in leading the way in sustainable supply chain management. We recognise the importance of minimising environmental impact while continuing to deliver high-quality cable solutions to our customers across the UK and worldwide.
Our Cable Drum Recycling Policy is part of our broader commitment to Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG). Through this initiative, we ensure that resources are used responsibly, waste is reduced, and materials are reintroduced into the supply chain wherever possible.
Our Commitment to Reuse and Recycling
At Cleveland Cable, sustainability is at the heart of our operations. We consistently review our products and processes to maximise recycling and reduce waste. Wooden cable drums and battens are prime examples of materials that can be reused multiple times before reaching the end of their lifecycle.
- We provide a cable drum collection service. All returned drums are inspected, repaired if necessary, and reintroduced into circulation for future orders.
- This system extends the life of cable drums and reduces the demand for fresh plywood stock.
Drum Amnesty Campaign
With the Ukraine conflict impacting global plywood availability and pricing, it has become increasingly important to extend the use of existing materials. In response, we launched our "Drum Amnesty" campaign, encouraging customers to return empty drums for collection and reuse.
By informing customers about this initiative, we can collectively reduce pressure on raw material supply chains and further strengthen our circular economy practices.
Responsible End-of-Life Recycling
While we aim to keep cable drums in circulation for as long as possible, there comes a point when they can no longer be reused. At this stage, we ensure that all materials are responsibly recycled and reused.
Cleveland Cable Company holds a waste transfer licence and partners with UKWR (managed by ENVA), a leading wood recycling facility based near the pioneering Wilton 10 Biomass Power Station – the UK's first purpose-built wood-burning power plant.
UKWR's recycling process involves:
- Grade A wood (clean white wood): repurposed as animal bedding.
- Grade B/C wood (mixed wood): recycled into panel board used in furniture and flooring.
- Remaining low-grade scrap: converted into biomass fuel to generate renewable energy.
This closed-loop system ensures that every component of the drum is utilised effectively, reducing landfill waste and supporting the UK's renewable energy initiatives.
Beyond Cable Drums – Our Wider Recycling Policy
Cable drums are only one part of our broader recycling commitment. We also have structured recycling pathways for:
- General waste
- Paper and plastic
- Scrap metal from cables and accessories
Through these efforts, 100% of our waste was recycled or diverted from landfill in 2025. Looking ahead, we are committed to maintaining a recovery and recycling rate of 98% or higher.
Join Our Recycling Initiative
Sustainability is a shared responsibility. By working with our customers, suppliers, and partners, we can continue to reduce waste and extend the life of valuable resources.
If you have an empty wooden cable drum or pallet for collection, please fill in a drum collection form. For further details on our sustainability and ESG commitments, please visit our ESG & Sustainability page.
Cable Drum Recycling in 2025
At Cleveland Cable Company, sustainability is more than just a policy – it's an ongoing responsibility. Our Cable Drum Recycling Policy demonstrates how effective waste management can benefit both our customers and the environment. By keeping drums in circulation, recycling responsibly at end-of-life, and committing to zero landfill, we're setting a standard for environmental responsibility in the cable industry.
Together, we can build a greener future, one drum at a time.