How to Get Rid of Old Cords and Chargers the Right Way

Did you know that electronic waste is the fastest-growing waste stream globally? This is due to the shortened lifespan of our electronic devices and society’s demands for the newest high-tech products. The Environmental Protection Agency estimated that in 2009, approximately 25 percent of discarded televisions, computers, cell phones and peripherals were collected for recycling, with the rest often heading to landfills. So, what do you do with old cords and chargers when they’re no longer needed? Fortunately, there are many responsible options beyond the trash can.

It is common practice to use an electronic device for a while and discard it once the new model comes out. Unfortunately, if the new model or device has a different charging port, your old collection of charging cables will be virtually useless.

Why Proper Disposing of Electronics is Important

Tossing old chargers and cables into the regular trash might seem convenient, but it has significant environmental consequences. These items contain materials like copper and other metals, plastics and sometimes hazardous substances such as lead or flame retardants. When e-waste ends up in landfills, toxic stuff can leach into the soil and water, risking environmental and human health. Proper disposal of electronics ensures that valuable materials are recovered and hazardous components are managed safely. Effective e-waste management tips not only protect the environment but also conserve natural resources by reducing the need to mine new raw materials.

How To Dispose of Old Electronics

Check functionality and ask around

Before you decide what to do with old cords and chargers, take a moment and check out these e-waste management tips:

1. Test them: Are they truly obsolete or broken? Sometimes, a cord or charger might still work with an older device you own or one used by a friend or family member. Check whether cords or chargers are still functional before deciding their fate.
2. Offer to friends or family: Not everyone quickly upgrades computers or other electronics. So, before discarding a giant collection of cables and chargers, make sure to ask your friends and family members if they might be able to use them. Additionally, with the exception of some Apple products, most home entertainment cords and cables can be used with other devices. So be sure to check their functionality before donating them.
3. Donate to STEM programs or schools: Schools and many nonprofits have STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) programs or projects that often use older technology. Your old cable cords, chargers and wires very well may not be so outdated for educational purposes. These programs appreciate electronic donations, whether they are old phones, computers, or even if all you have is the odd power cord or old Ethernet cable that wasn’t quite long enough.

Recycle old chargers and cables

Recycling old chargers and cables is one of the most environmentally responsible actions. These items are considered e-waste and should not be discarded in your regular recycling bin, as they require specialized processing. When removed from the sheath, pure copper wire can be sold for salvage. It likely won’t be worth a fortune, but you can at least make some cash off old cables that you’re never going to use again. Any metal recycling center will accept your copper-cored wires and will likely accept most of your small electronics, in addition to other wires and cables.

Finding certified e-waste recycling programs

• Retail drop-off programs: One of the easiest ways to recycle old cables and chargers is by taking a trip to your local Best Buy. Every Best Buy in the US has a kiosk for recycling electronics just inside the door. According to the Best Buy website, they accept “rechargeable batteries, wires, cords, cables and plastic bags.” Check out their website to see if Best Buy will accept what you want to recycle.
• Local e-waste collection events: Municipalities or local environmental groups often host e-waste collection days or have permanent drop-off locations. Search your city or county’s official website (look for e-waste recycling or hazardous waste disposal) or use resources like Earth911 or Call2Recycle to find certified programs near you.
• Manufacturer take-back programs: Some electronics manufacturers have their own mail-in or drop-off recycling programs for their products.
• Certified e-waste recyclers: For larger quantities or if other options aren’t available, look for certified e-waste recyclers. Organizations like E-Stewards certify recyclers who adhere to high environmental and ethical standards.

Creative Ways to Repurpose Old Cords and Wires

If your cords are still in decent shape, or even if they’re not suitable for charging, think about repurposing cables before recycling. Here are some simple ideas:

• Cable management: Use shorter, unwanted USB cables or sturdy power cords as ties to organize the wires behind your TV or computer. Imagine turning an old, coiled cord into a sturdy cable tie that neatly bundles other active cables, instantly decluttering your workspace.
• Garden ties: Soft-coated wires or the inner strands of thicker cables can be used as gentle plant ties in your garden to support climbing plants or young saplings.
• DIY cord organizers: Wrap colorful yarn or embroidery thread around an old charger cable to make it easily identifiable and add a bit of personality. This can prevent mix-ups and make your cords look less utilitarian.
• Craft projects: Old wires can be bent into simple sculptures, used as hanging material for lightweight decorations, or incorporated into other mixed-media art projects. Think about crafting a whimsical beaded tree decoration or garland using the internal wires.When repurposing cables, always ensure they are not frayed or damaged in a way that could pose a safety hazard, especially if they will still be near electrical sources or used by children.

Safe Disposal Tips for Cables and Chargers

• Data security: If your charger has any form of data storage (uncommon for simple chargers, but possible for smart hubs), ensure any personal data is wiped according to manufacturer instructions or by performing a factory reset if applicable.
• Do NOT trash them: Never throw electrical cords or chargers in your regular garbage bin. They contribute to e-waste and contain materials that should be managed appropriately. This is a common mistake; correct it by finding a designated e-waste drop-off location.
• Do NOT put in curbside recycling: Similarly, these items can tangle machinery at standard recycling facilities and are not processed correctly there.
• Check for battery removal: Some larger charging docks or power banks might contain batteries that need to be removed and recycled separately if the central unit is being disposed of.

FAQs

What happens to recycled electronics? 

Recycled electronics are transported to specialized facilities where they are sorted, dismantled and processed to separate various materials like metals, plastics and glass. These recovered materials are then sent to be manufactured into new products, reducing the need for virgin resources.

Sources

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): “U.S. State and Local Waste and Materials Characterization Reports”
• City of San José Environmental Services Department: “Electrical Cords and Cables – San Jose Recycles”
• U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA): “Proper Disposal of Electronic Devices”
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): “Cleaning Up Electronic Waste (E-Waste)”
• Environmental Health Perspectives (NIH/NIEHS): “Developmental Neurotoxicants in E-Waste: An Emerging Health Concern” 
• Computer Aid International: “Electrical Recycling and Disposal of Products”
• EcoMENA: “5 Effective Ways to Improve E-Waste Management and Recycling”
• eWASA (E-waste Association of South Africa): “8 Types of eWaste and How to Recycle Them”
• Earth5R: “Executing Effective E-Waste Collection Drives”
• House Digest: “8 Unexpected Ways To Repurpose Charging Cords & Cables Around The House” 
• Best Buy: “Electronics, Appliances and E-Waste Recycling at Best Buy”