Cable ties

As fire alarm technicians, we use a huge number of cable ties per project. The offcuts of each cable tie, plus used cable ties, are currently going to landfill. Are there any examples of organisations effectively collecting cable ties and offcuts onsite? And, is there an organisation that can recycle this material? We would also be willing to look at alternative products.

Challenge Hub Status - in progress

Traditional cable ties are made from nylon and are non-recyclable. Stainless steel cable ties are recyclable and have a higher tensile strength, however, a specific tool is needed to tighten these and they can be very sharp when clipped.

Construction company Naylor Love has found and imported a cable tie that is able to be unclipped and reused. It has used them on two sites for attaching scrim to temporary fencing and reports they have worked well. Naylor Love is currently working with engineers at Beca, and others in the industry to see how reusable cable ties can be integrated into specifications and made available for purchase in New Zealand retail stores.