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
Reuse working USB, HDMI, Ethernet, telephone, and power cords, or bundle them for an electronics collection that explicitly accepts cables. Check your local retailer's current accepted-item list and limits before visiting. Scrap yards may buy sorted insulated wire. Do not put cords in curbside bins where they tangle sorting equipment. Before you go, confirm that a local recycling center accepts the material in its current condition.
- Recycling route
- Check locally
- Typical value
- Retail drop-off $0; scrap yards may pay by copper grade for sorted wire
- Donate / take-back
- Available
How to Prepare
- 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
Where to Recycle
- Best Buy (cables and connectors free)
- Staples (USB/Lightning cables free)
- Dell Reconnect
- Scrap metal yards (call about insulated wire)
- Municipal e-waste events
Special Instructions
Keep working cables separate for reuse and coil unwanted cables into manageable bundles. Ask whether the collector accepts USB and charging leads, HDMI, Ethernet, telephone cords, extension cords, and any attached adapters; an electronics program may treat chargers separately. Retail drop-off usually pays nothing and needs no stripping. For a scrap sale, ask for an insulated-wire grade and quote rather than multiplying the entire cable weight by the bare-copper price. Never put live cords in a bin.
Environmental Impact
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.
Sustainable Alternatives
- Donate spare working cables to makerspaces or schools
- Sell clean copper wire at a scrap yard after confirming prices
Official guidance and resources
Accepted items and drop-off rules can vary by location. Check the destination before you go.
What’s Accepted
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
Donation & Take‑Back Options
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
Hazardous Components
- PVC insulation and flame retardants in some jackets
FAQs
Are cables recyclable?
Yes through e-waste or scrap. They are a poor fit for curbside bins.
Where can I recycle USB, HDMI, Ethernet, and telephone cables?
Use an electronics drop-off or scrap yard that confirms it accepts those cable types. Retailer accepted-item lists and quantity limits can differ by location. Keep working cables for reuse, bundle unwanted ones, and ask whether attached chargers or adapters belong in a separate group. Do not put any of these cords in curbside recycling.
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.
Related recycling guides
- How to recycle Solar Inverters & Optimizers
- How to recycle Routers, Modems & Network Equipment
- How to recycle Speakers
- How to recycle Keyboards and Mice
- How to recycle DVD/Blu-ray Players
- How to recycle Tablets
- How to recycle Digital Cameras
- How to recycle Gaming Consoles
- How to recycle Headphones
- How to recycle Printers
Recycle cables and cords
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