Don't Throw: Here's What to Do with Old Charging Cables

We all have that drawer. You know the one—stuffed with a tangled mess of wires, outdated chargers, and useless cables that you’re not quite sure what to do with. Maybe they’re from devices you no longer own, or perhaps they’ve been replaced by newer, faster charging options like USB Type-C cables. Whatever the reason, these electrical cables often end up collecting dust instead of being properly dealt with.

Did you know that electronic waste, including charging cables, is one of the fastest-growing waste streams globally? Instead of contributing to this problem by tossing your old cables in the trash, let’s explore some creative, practical, and environmentally friendly alternatives of what to do with old charging cables.

Assessing Your Old Charging Cables

Before deciding what to do with your cable collection, it’s important to take inventory and organize what you have.

Gather and Sort

Start by collecting all your cables in one place. This includes power cords, chargers, USB-A, USB-C, lightning cables, old ethernet cables, and any other electronic cables you might have. Once gathered, match them to your current devices and group them by type:

USB-C cables
Lightning cables for Apple devices
Micro-USB cables
Proprietary chargers
Computer cables (HDMI, VGA, etc.)
Power cords and adapters

Identify Obsolete or Broken Cables

Next, identify cables that are:

Frayed or damaged
For devices you no longer own
Outdated technology (like old D-sub cables)
Duplicates of cables you already have plenty of

Set these aside as they’ll be the primary candidates for recycling, repurposing, or proper disposal.

Label and Organize

For the cables you plan to keep:

Use colored tape or tags to label each one
Consider taking a photo of which device each cable belongs to
Store them in a dedicated container with compartments to prevent future tangles

What to Do with Old Charging Cables?

Now for the useful part—what to actually do with those old cables that are piling up.

Keep a Few Spares

It’s always wise to keep some extras on hand:

One extra of each type of cable you frequently use
A spare old lightning chargers for your everyday devices
A complete charging kit for your travel bag

This prevents frustration when a cable inevitably fails or gets lost. The Fast PD 65 watt 4-in-1 USB charging data Cable is perfect for this purpose, as it combines multiple connector types in one cable, reducing the number of spares you need to keep.

Give to Family or Friends

Before discarding any working cables, ask around:

Family members might still use older devices requiring these connectors
Friends may need spare chargers for their electronics
Colleagues might appreciate having extra charging options at work

One person’s useless cable is often another’s necessity, especially when it comes to older but still functional lightning devices or used electronics that use specialized cord types.

Donate to STEM Programs or Charities

Many organizations can put your old charging cables to good use:

Schools and Educational Programs:

STEM or computer science classes often need electronic components
Robotics clubs can use copper wires from cables for projects
Maker spaces welcome donations of all types of electrical tools and materials

Community Organizations:

Repair cafés where people fix electronics
Senior centers providing technology assistance
Hospitals or shelter programs that may need chargers for donated or new electronics

Tech-Focused Charities:

Organizations that refurbish old computers and electronic devices
Charities that provide technology to underserved communities
Environmental non-profits that ensure proper recycling of electronic waste

Trade or Sell Online

If your cables are still in good condition, especially if they’re for popular devices, they might have some resale value:

Bundle working cables of the same type and sell them on platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or OfferUp
Trade them in electronic forums for cables you actually need
Check with local small electronics stores that might purchase bulk cables

Are Old Charging Cables Worth Anything?

Usually not much individually, but branded Apple cables, rare proprietary connectors, or bulk lots can fetch a decent price. Newer, high-quality cables like those with braided shields or fast-charging capabilities maintain better value.

Creative Repurposing and DIY Ideas for mobile and computer cables

Can You Repurpose Old Charging Cables? Absolutely!

The Pure copper wire inside cables makes them perfect for creative projects:

Decorative Uses:

Wire Sculptures: Strip the outer coating and twist the copper wires into shapes for wall art or table decorations.
Tabletop Beaded Trees: Use the individual wires core as a base and decorate with beads for a whimsical piece.
Wall Art Projects: Arrange colorful cables into patterns or tech-inspired designs for unique wall art.
Furniture Trim: Glue cables to furniture edges for an industrial or tech-inspired look.

Practical Applications:

Garden Ties: The flexibility of charging cables makes them perfect for securing small plants or vines in your garden.
Hanging Plant Holders: Wrap cables in rope or macramé thread to create support for small potted plants.
Curtain Ties: Loop them to create quirky DIY curtain holders—especially fun for a tech-themed room or office.
Basket Weaving: Braid cords to form small baskets or desk organizers.
Picture Hanging Wire: Use the durable interior wires to hang lightweight frames or bulletin boards.
Cable Organizers: Ironically, old cables make excellent organizers for your remaining cables! Use short segments with Velcro to bundle and secure other new and old wires.

These everyday wires can transform into something useful rather than contributing to electronic trash. The copper-cored wires inside the plastic sheaths are particularly versatile for crafting projects.

How to Recycle Old Charging Cables Responsibly

Can Charging Cables Be Recycled?

✅ Yes! Most charging cables contain valuable materials that can and should be recycled:

Copper wire inside (a finite resource)
Plastic coating
Metal connectors
Braided shield wire in some premium cables

These materials take decades or even centuries to degrade in landfills, making recycling the responsible choice.

Where Can I Recycle Old Charging Cables?

Retailers:

Best Buy: You can drop off any electronic cords or outdated wires at any Best Buy store as part of their electronics recycling program.
Target: Many locations offer electronics recycling bins (but call ahead to verify).
Staples: Accepts a variety of electronic waste, including cables.
Apple Stores: Will take back Apple cables and chargers for proper recycling.

Local Recycling Centers:

Most municipal recycling centers have an e-waste section
Use websites like Earth911 or RecycleNation to find a drop-off location near you
Check if your city offers special electronic recycling collection days

Manufacturer Take-Back Programs:

Some electronics manufacturers offer recycling programs for their products and accessories
Check the company websites for brands like Samsung, Dell, HP, or Apple

Can I Recycle Old Charger Cables at Target?

Yes, many Target locations provide electronics recycling bins. However, it’s best to call your local store first to confirm they accept cables, as policies may vary by location.

Can I Throw Old USB Charging Cables in the Trash?

❌ This is not recommended. Here’s why:

Cables contain materials that don’t break down easily in landfills
They can leach chemicals into soil and groundwater
The copper and other metals inside are valuable resources that should be recovered
In some areas, disposing of electronic waste in regular trash is actually prohibited

Business Disposal Options

If you’re clearing out a large quantity of cables from an office, school, or business:

Contact commercial e-waste providers for bulk pickup
Inquire about certificates of destruction if you’re disposing of cables that were connected to devices with sensitive data
Check if your waste management service offers special business e-waste collection

How to Get Rid of Old Charging Cables Sustainably

Decluttering Tips

When deciding which cables to keep and which to recycle:

Only keep cables that match devices you currently own
Retain a maximum of 1-2 spares for each type of device
If you haven’t used a cable in over a year, it’s probably safe to let it go
Test each cable before deciding to ensure it still works properly

Use a Cable Storage Box

For the cables you decide to keep:

Invest in a dedicated storage solution with compartments
Label each section clearly
Consider transparent containers so you can see what’s inside at a glance
Store in a cool, dry place to prevent deterioration

Bundle Similar Types

Keep your retained cables organized:

Use Velcro ties, rubber bands, or toilet paper rolls to keep each cable neatly coiled
Consider color-coded hookup wires for different cable types
Store lightning cables, USB-C cables, and other types separately to avoid confusion

Environmental Impact and Why It Matters

Why You Shouldn't Trash Cables

Electronic waste is one of the fastest-growing waste streams globally, with serious environmental consequences:

Valuable materials like copper wire are lost when cables end up in landfills
The plastic casing can take hundreds of years to decompose
Some older cables may contain harmful materials that can leach into soil and water
Manufacturing new cables consumes additional resources that could be saved through recycling

Recycling Benefits

Proper recycling of charging cables:

Recovers valuable copper and other metals

Reduces the need for new raw material extraction

Prevents potentially harmful materials from entering the environment

Saves energy compared to producing new cables from scratch

Promote a Circular Tech Economy

By reusing, repurposing, or properly recycling your old chargers cables, you’re participating in a more sustainable approach to technology:

Support brands that prioritize longevity and repairability
Look for cables made with recyclable or sustainable materials
Consider high-quality multi-purpose cables that reduce the need for multiple specialized cables
Choose products with minimal packaging and environmental certifications

Additional Ideas and Quick Hacks

Try Repairing First

Before discarding a cable that seems damaged:

Check if the issue is merely at the connector ends, which can often be repaired

Use heat-shrink tubing or electrical tape to reinforce frayed sections

Learn basic soldering for fixing simple breaks in the wire

Emergency Uses

Keep a few old but working cables for specific purposes:

As keychain holders (cut and repurpose connector parts)
In your car’s emergency kit
For temporary charging of power banks or flashlights
As a backup for traveling when you might forget your primary cable

Conclusion

Old charging irrelevant cables don’t need to become environmental burdens or clutter your home. Whether you choose to donate, repurpose, or recycle them, there are plenty of responsible alternatives to simply throwing them in the trash.

With the rapid evolution of charging technology, like the shift from older USB standards to USB Type-C cables, cable obsolescence is inevitable. However, by applying the ideas in this guide, you can ensure your outdated cables serve a purpose rather than contributing to the growing old electronics waste problem.

Remember that even small actions matter when it comes to sustainability. The next time you upgrade your device or charging solution, have a plan ready for the old cable cords you’ll be replacing. Your drawer will be less cluttered, and our planet will thank you for the mindful disposal of your odd power cord.

Ready to upgrade your charging setup with a versatile solution that might help reduce cable clutter? Check out the 4-in-1 USB charging cable that can handle multiple device types with a single cable. And if you’re wondering about more advanced charging solutions, you might be interested in learning whether you can charge a laptop with a power bank.