How to Recycle Cables and Cords
Power cords, USB and Lightning cables, HDMI, Ethernet, and similar interconnects. Copper and connectors are recoverable. Retail e-waste is the convenient path; scrap yards are the cash path for sorted wire.
Quick answer
Bundle USB, HDMI, Ethernet, and power cords and drop them free at Best Buy or Staples. Scrap yards may pay for clean copper wire if you sort it. Do not put cords in curbside bins where they tangle sorting equipment.
- Recyclable
- Yes
- Typical value
- Retail drop-off $0; scrap yards may pay by copper grade for sorted wire
- Donate / take-back
- Available
- 1Unplug and coil or zip-tie cords into bundles
- 2Remove attached devices
- 3No need to strip insulation for Best Buy or Staples drop-off
- 4For scrap yards, ask whether mixed consumer cords or clean copper wire is preferred
- Best Buy (cables and connectors free)
- Staples (USB/Lightning cables free)
- Dell Reconnect
- Scrap metal yards (call about insulated wire)
- Municipal e-waste events
Retail drop-off usually pays nothing and needs no stripping. Scrap payouts apply mainly to sorted copper, not random charger tangles. Never put live cords in a bin.
Copper and connector metals are recovered through e-waste or scrap processing. Curbside carts reject cords because they wrap motors and contaminate paper and plastic streams.
- Donate spare working cables to makerspaces or schools
- Sell clean copper wire at a scrap yard after confirming prices
Accepted
- USB, Lightning, HDMI, Ethernet, and audio cables
- Device power cords and extension cords
- Charging cables without the brick (bricks can go too as adapters)
Not Accepted
- Energized cords still plugged in
- Heavily oil-soaked or chemically contaminated cable
Estimated value: Retail drop-off $0; scrap yards may pay by copper grade for sorted wire
Donation
- Makerspaces and community labs
- Local schools
Manufacturer/Retail Take‑Back
- PVC insulation and flame retardants in some jackets
Are cables recyclable?
Yes through e-waste or scrap. They are a poor fit for curbside bins.
Will I get paid at Best Buy?
No. Retail recycling is convenience. Scrap yards pay for copper when the wire grade and sorting meet their rules.
Should I cut the plugs off?
Not for retail drop-off. For scrap, ask the yard. Some prefer intact consumer cords; others want clean copper only.
Can extension cords go with USB cables?
Retail e-waste usually takes both in one bundle. Scrap yards may price power cord differently from data cable.
Recycling centers that accept Cables and Cords
RecycleFind lists recycling centers that accept cables and cords. Open a listing for hours, contact info, and directions.