E-waste is a growing problem, and the rapid advancement of technology is only making it worse. We use a gadget for a while and discard it once the new model comes out, which, of course, has a brand-new port, rendering your massive collection of charging cables virtually useless.
If you're anything like me, this has happened to you several times over the last decade. And you probably have a drawer dedicated to old, useless cables. Face it, you are never going to use them again, despite what the tinkerer or hoarder in you says.
So what do you do when it's time to clean out the drawer? In honor of Earth Day, here are some options for recycling or reusing old cables.
STEM programs
Schools and even groups like Boy Scouts of America have STEM programs or projects that often use older technology. Make a few phone calls to nearby troops or high schools to see if they are in need of some older cables or wires. They very well may not be so outdated for educational purposes.
Best Buy
One of the easiest ways to recycle any old electronics, including cables and chargers, is through Best Buy. Every Best Buy location in the US has a kiosk for recycling just inside the door. According to their site, they accept "rechargeable batteries, wires, cords, cables and plastic bags," as well as a host of electronic devices. Check its website to see if Best Buy will accept what you're trying to recycle.
You can also consider doing what Instructables user brucedamoose16 did. He clipped off the ends of an old D-sub cable and stripped the wire of its sheathing. This provided over 200 feet (61 meters) of color-coded hookup wire and he used the braided shield wire as desoldering braid.
Salvage
If removed from the sheath, pure copper wire can be sold for salvage. It likely won't be a fortune, but you could at least make some cash off old cables that you're never going to use again.
A friend or family member
Not everyone upgrades computers or other electronics as quickly as you do. Before discarding a giant collection of cables, make sure to ask your friends and family members if they might be able to use them.
Even making a post on social media can help put you in touch with someone who might find them of more use than yourself.
To recycle your old cords, e-waste facilities are your best option. Many communities now have dedicated e-waste recycling
e-waste recycling
Electronic waste recycling, electronics recycling, or e-waste recycling is the disassembly and separation of components and raw materials of waste electronics; when referring to specific types of e-waste, the terms like computer recycling or mobile phone recycling may be used.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Electronic_waste_recycling
facilities, either run by private companies or by the local government. Best Buy is another popular e-waste recycler, and power cords are just one type of item they accept.
You will need to take your cables and chargers to your local recycling centre, here they will have a recycling bin just for electrical products and electronic devices including electrical cables. Once processed the old chargers and cables will be stripped of their components for reuse.
Recycle. Electrical wires and cables contain valuable materials such as copper and aluminum, which are highly recyclable. If you can't reuse them or find someone else who will use them, take your old wires and cables to the nearest e-waste recycling facility.
There are several recommended methods for managing old chargers and cables responsibly. Most recycling centres also accept common wires and cables, including mobile phone cables, electrical and home appliance wires, Ethernet cables, power cords and chargers.
Our goal has always been to simply break even on our recycling program, and we're not there today. The new fees will help cover the increasing cost of managing TV and monitor disposal through our network of stores, distribution centers and recycling partners.
You can create a color-coding system, to help you identify the cable by device type or by family member. Once the cables are bundled, place them in bags for storage, again by charger, device type, or person.
Copper that is free of paint or brass will receive a higher grading and a higher price. Stripped wire is also more profitable, so if you have the time, strip the insulation from your cable. You can use a wire stripping tool or do it by hand. Make sure you have enough cable to justify selling it.
When stripped, these metals can be sold to scrap metal companies, like H&S Metals, where they are then recycled. In our homes, we typically come across old cables when we carry out electrical works or when replacing old electronics.
Just cut the cables with a pair of diagonal cutters where they go through the floor or into the wall. And go discard the cable. If you don't have cable and you don't plan on getting it then you don't need the cables strung all over the place cut it loose and throw it in the garbage can.
Apple says it has a “robust” recycling program where you can bring in used chargers and cables. You can also look for a local e-waste recycling center or Best Buy store for environmentally friendly options.)
Any metal recycling center will be happy to accept your copper-cored wires, and the more the better. BestBuy, Staples and other stores that electronics will help out with electronics recycling, too. In fact, they'll accept most of your small electronics, in addition to wires and cables.
Up to 80% of a phone is recyclable, so don't send it to landfill or leave it in the drawer - recycle it! Mobile phones contain a range of materials including metals, plastics and several valuable components - such as silver - which can be extracted and re-used.
Retailing giant Best Buy (NYSE: BBY) has seen its recycling take-back program grow from a costly gamble into a fast-growing business that's making a little bit of money. “It's profitable.But just barely,” said Leo Raudys, senior director of environmental sustainability at Best Buy.
After you drop off your old tech, our trusted recycling partners will wipe any remaining data from devices before determining if the product can be repaired, repurposed or recycled, but you can also wipe your hard drive before coming in. Here's how to do it.
Cables, wiring and cabling from appliances is classed as waste electrical and electronic equipment. It should never be presented as recycling or put in the general waste. Most manufacturers of appliances also take these back for recycling free of charge. Please see here for information.
Battery chargers are banned from the trash because they contain metals and corrosive chemicals that contaminate the environment if not properly processed.
We'll take it. We'll recycle your Apple devices, cables, cases, accessories, and other similar electronics for free. You'll help protect the earth's precious resources and reduce waste as we work toward a better future for the planet.
Introduction: My name is Jeremiah Abshire, I am a outstanding, kind, clever, hilarious, curious, hilarious, outstanding person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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