Most charging cables can go to an electronics recycler, a manufacturer take-back program, or a donation center if they still work
Old charging cables end up in drawers because throwing them in the trash feels wrong — and it is. Cables contain copper, plastic, and sometimes gold that can be recovered. The easiest route depends on whether the cable works, where you live, and how many you have.
If the cable still charges your device, donation is fastest. If it is broken or you have a pile of them, a recycler that handles electronics is your next step. Some manufacturers — Apple, Samsung, Best Buy — will take back their own cables for free. A few cities have special e-waste drop-off days. None of these routes requires you to pay or mail anything.
Key Takeaways
- Working cables can go to thrift stores, libraries, schools, or community centers that accept electronics donations.
- Broken cables belong at an electronics recycler, not in household trash or curbside recycling.
- Best Buy, Apple, and Samsung accept their own charging cables at store locations without charge.
- Many cities hold e-waste collection events one or two times per year where you can drop off cables for free.
- If you have only one or two cables, donation is usually faster than finding a recycler.
Donating cables that still work
A working cable has real value to someone. Thrift stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army take electronics donations, including charging cables, though policies vary by location. Call ahead or check their website to confirm they accept cables before you go.
Libraries often have a donation bin or will accept cables directly at the desk. Schools and community centers sometimes take them for student use or repair programs. If you know someone who uses the same device, that is the fastest option — hand it to them directly.
Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist let you list cables free or cheap. This works better if you have several cables or a less common type, since shipping costs more than the cable is worth. Local Buy Nothing groups on Facebook are another option where people give items away without payment.
Recycling broken or unwanted cables
Broken cables and cords should not go in household trash or curbside recycling bins. They tangle in sorting machinery and contaminate the recycling stream. An electronics recycler is the right place.
Search "electronics recycling near me" or visit Earth911.com and enter your zip code to find recyclers in your area. Most accept cables for free. Some recyclers are nonprofit organizations; others are for-profit companies. Either way, you drop off the cables and leave — no paperwork required. A few recyclers charge a small fee if you bring in large quantities of mixed electronics, but cables alone are almost always free.
Call or check the website before you go to confirm they take cables and what their hours are. Some recyclers operate only on certain days or require an appointment.
Manufacturer take-back programs
Apple, Samsung, and Best Buy will take back their own charging cables at any store location. You do not need a receipt or proof of purchase. Walk in, hand over the cables, and leave.
Other manufacturers have mail-back programs. Check the support or sustainability page on the company's website for instructions. Some provide a prepaid shipping label; others ask you to pay for shipping yourself. Mail-back is slower than in-store drop-off but works if you do not have a store nearby.
E-waste collection events in your city
Many cities and counties hold one or two e-waste collection days per year where residents can drop off electronics and cables for free. These events are usually advertised on the city or county website or announced on social media a few weeks before they happen.
Search "[your city name] e-waste collection" or "[your county name] electronics recycling day" to find upcoming events. Some communities have permanent drop-off locations that accept e-waste year-round. Call your local solid waste or recycling department to ask what options exist in your area.
What not to do with old cables
Do not put cables in curbside recycling bins, even if they are plastic. They wrap around the sorting machinery and cause equipment shutdowns. Workers have to stop the line to cut them out, which costs the recycling facility time and money.
Do not throw cables in household trash. They end up in landfills where the copper and other materials cannot be recovered. If you have no other option, this is the last resort — but one of the routes above will almost always be available.
Do not leave cables on the curb for bulk pickup unless your city specifically lists electronics as accepted. Most bulk pickup programs do not take e-waste because it requires special handling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put charging cables in my curbside recycling bin?
No. Cables tangle in the sorting machinery and stop the line. Take them to an electronics recycler, a manufacturer take-back program, or an e-waste collection event instead.
What if I have a cable for a device I no longer own?
If it works, a thrift store or donation center may still take it — someone else might need that type of cable. If it is broken or no one will take it, an electronics recycler will accept it.
Do I have to pay to recycle cables?
No. Electronics recyclers, manufacturer take-back programs, and city e-waste events accept cables for free. A few recyclers charge a fee for large mixed loads of electronics, but cables alone are almost never charged.
How long does it take to recycle a cable?
Drop-off recycling is instant — you hand over the cable and leave. Manufacturer mail-back programs take one to three weeks depending on shipping time. Thrift store donations are also instant.
What happens to cables after I recycle them?
The recycler separates the copper wire, plastic coating, and any metal connectors. These materials are sold to manufacturers who use them to make new products. Nothing is wasted.