EcoReel Recycling Program
Sonoco EcoReel reel return program
Sonoco EcoReel picks up truckloads of reusable wooden and polyfiber reels for free across most of the US, and publishes a maximum count per truck for each size.
Source: Sonoco: EcoReel Recycling Program. Last verified .
- Run by
- Sonoco
- Reels accepted
- Used wooden and polyfiber reels and spools that are viable for reuse. The page does not limit it to one cable brand.
- Material rules
- Wooden and polyfiber reels. Damaged reels are repaired and refurbished.
- Minimum load
- Truckloads, from a single load to an ongoing supply.
- Cost
- Free. No cost for pickup and disposal.
- Service area
- Most of the US, through disposal service centers near demand.
Condition rules
- Reels viable for reuse after repair.
- Loaded to use the full cubic volume of the trailer.
Reels per truck
| Flange | Maximum |
|---|---|
| 36 in | 200 |
| 42 in | 120 |
| 48 in | 100 |
| 50 in | 60 |
| 54 in | 60 |
| 58 in | 56 |
| 60 in | 39 |
| 66 in | 24 |
| 72 in | 22 |
| 84 in | 9 |
| 90 in | 9 |
| 96 in | 8 |
How to schedule
Call 1-888-ECO-REEL or email Sonoco to arrange a one-time or regular pickup. Load the Sonoco-supplied truck with flanges overlapped.
- Phone: 1-888-ECO-REEL (888-326-7335)
- Email: ecoreel@sonoco.com
Notes
Sonoco is a reel maker, not a cable maker. It returns recovered reels to wire and cable manufacturers for reuse, and is the vendor behind AFL's program and CommScope's composite-reel route.
Before you call
Empty every reel
Programs want empty reels. Leftover cable can cost a fee or get the reel refused.
Count the reels that qualify
Check the count against the minimum above. Yard math shows how much of a truck it fills.
Inspect against the condition rules
Set aside reels that fail. They go to a buyer or a recycler instead.
Reels Sonoco EcoReel won't take?
Other brands, short loads, plywood and reels that fail inspection can all go in one pickup.