The GreenScene

Abandoned Cable

For many years, various types of cable comprised of different materials were installed in concealed spaces in buildings. Older cable often was not compatible with newer systems as technology advanced to higher speeds and capabilities. It became commonplace to install new infrastructure around the abandoned cable, creating layers of old cabling. Over time, this practice proved to be enough of a fire risk to prompt both the National Electrical Code® (NEC) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to publish code changes in 2002 specifically addressing this issue.

While some abandoned cable can, in fact, be retained if properly tagged for future use, not all abandoned cable meets the permitted-use criteria regardless of tagging. If abandoned cable fails to meet that criteria or is not properly tagged for future use, it must be removed.

Abandoned cable from previous tenants poses a unique challenge for property managers, since removal of it is the responsibility (and liability) of the property owner or manager if exiting tenants fail to do so. CSS currently provides various property management firms solutions to this problem. By removing abandoned cable, the marketability of the property for purchase or rental is enhanced.

CSS offers all businesses riser management solutions which include removal of abandoned cable and other related services to help you get and keep your building code compliant. For example: When new cabling is installed in the same pathways as the old cable, fire-stopped penetrations need to be replaced or protected to ensure current fire safety codes are met. CSS offers fire-stop installation and maintenance. CSS also offers site audits of riser closets to assess code compliance and recommends solutions to bring noncompliant backbone in risers up to code.

When you contract with CSS, you can be confident that abandoned cable removed from your facility will be disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner. We recycled more than 30,000 pounds of cable in 2008, and we expect to recycle at least twice that in 2009.

Advantages of Cable Removal & Recycling

	Reduces waste
	Keeps hazardous materials out of landfills
	Reduces fire risk and liability
	Eliminates overcrowding of cable
	Optimizes HVAC airflow
	Increases efficiency and cooling of sensitive electronic equipment in data centers
	Reduces cost of subsequent network upgrades
	Enhances safety and performance of your building

Keeping It Green

At CSS, we continually strive to make responsible decisions that will have positive effects on our communities and the environment, now and in the future. Providing environmentally sound services to our customers is an important component of our business plan. A sustainable recycling program helps us keep waste out of landfills, prevents pollution, and protects our resources. An integral part of that program involves re-use.

CSS offers solutions that re-use metal products (e.g., rack equipment, ladder racking and associated hardware) removed during demolition of outdated systems. In addition to the obvious environmental value of re-using materials, the cost savings to customers can be significant.

Advantages of Re-Use

	Reduces waste
	Keeps metals and other materials out of landfills
	Prevents pollution
	Protects our resources
	Can result in significant cost savings