Cables, Cords and Chargers
What Should I Do With It?
With the rapid pace of technology and constantly changing connector standards, it is easy to accumulate a pile of unused or broken cables at home. While charging cords, headphones, and audio cables cannot go into your standard curbside recycling, plenty of free drop-off locations exist. Some programs will even pay you a small amount for your old cords. Although the outer plastic or rubber insulation makes them complex to process, the copper and aluminum wires inside are highly valuable. E-waste recyclers will gladly accept them to strip away the insulation and recover these recyclable metals.
Before throwing this away, see if it can be fixed up, given to a friend, or donated to a local thrift shop. Keeping items in use is the best way to stop waste before it starts!
The recycling guidelines shown here are for general reference and educational purposes. Every city and town has different rules, sorting equipment, and recycling programs.
Please check your local town website or ask your local garbage collection program to make sure you are following your neighborhood's rules.