How to Dispose of Old Cables and Cords

How to dispose of old cables and cords is a common question after a drawer cleanout turns up a tangle of chargers, USB cables, extension cords, and mystery power adapters. They should not go in the curbside recycling cart, where they wrap around sorting machines. The good news is that cords contain copper, so electronics recyclers and scrap yards are often glad to take them. Here is how to sort the pile and where each type goes.

Sort the pile first

1. Keep a few useful spares. A couple of phone cables, an HDMI cable, and one or two extension cords in good shape are worth holding onto.
2. Match chargers to devices you still own. Label them with tape.
3. Test questionable cords only if you are sure they are safe. Throw out any with cracked insulation, exposed wire, scorch marks, or bent prongs.
4. Separate cords from devices. A box of cords is easier to drop off than a box mixed with old electronics and batteries.

Why not the recycling cart?

Curbside recycling sorts by shape and material on conveyor belts and spinning screens. Long, flexible items such as cords, hoses, and string lights wrap around that equipment and force shutdowns. Programs that accept cords almost always mean at a drop-off, not in the cart.

Where cables and cords can go

• Electronics retailers and office supply stores. Many have take-back bins that accept cables, chargers, and small accessories.
• County or city e-waste drop-offs and electronics recycling events.
• Scrap yards. Copper wire with insulation is often sold as “insulated copper wire.” Yards typically pay by weight, so a large bundle from a cleanout or remodel may be worth a trip. Ask how they want it sorted.
• Donation. Working chargers and cables sometimes help refurbishers, schools, or reuse centers.

Extension cords and power strips

Damaged extension cords should be retired, not repaired with tape. They go with other cords to an electronics recycler or scrap yard. Surge protectors and power strips contain small circuit boards and belong in electronics recycling.

Adapters, bricks, and chargers

Power adapters with a box in the middle contain transformers or circuit boards. Most electronics recyclers take them. Wireless chargers and battery packs are different: a power bank contains a lithium battery and should go to a battery drop-off, with terminals taped. See our battery recycling guide.

Holiday lights and specialty cables

String lights are handled much like cords; some recyclers and stores run holiday light collections in winter. Coaxial cable, phone wire, and network cables can usually go with other cords. Old cords from appliances can be cut off and scrapped if the appliance itself is going elsewhere.

Bundling for drop-off

Loosely coil each cord and secure it with a twist tie or rubber band. Put them in a bag or box so they do not tangle with other items. If a scrap yard is buying, ask whether to strip connectors or plugs; some pay more for cleaner wire, but stripping by hand is rarely worth the time for household amounts.

How to dispose of old cables and cords FAQ

Can I put old cords in the recycling bin?

No. Cords tangle in sorting equipment. Take them to an electronics recycler, retailer take-back, or scrap yard instead.

Do scrap yards take old cables?

Many do, usually as insulated copper wire paid by weight. Ask how they want it sorted.

Are power adapters e-waste?

Yes. Chargers and power bricks contain circuit boards or transformers and belong in electronics recycling.

What should I do with a damaged extension cord?

Stop using it and recycle it with other cords. Taping over damage is not a safe repair.

Can phone chargers be donated?

Working chargers and cables are sometimes accepted by refurbishers, reuse centers, or schools. Call ahead.

The bottom line

How to dispose of old cables and cords is simple once they are sorted. Keep a few good spares, toss damaged cords from use, and take the rest to an electronics recycler, a retail take-back bin, or a scrap yard that buys insulated copper. Keep power banks and batteries separate, and never put cords in the curbside recycling cart.