Having spare unused cables and wires lying around your home isn't uncommon. Maybe you have a new device which uses a different cable, rendering your old cable useless. This unfortunately has become somewhat of a norm when it comes purchasing electrical products.
Disappointingly the call for universal cables has still not come to fruition. It has been put to governing bodies all over the world; that cables for portable electronic devices such as smart phones should become universal. This does not only make it easier for the consumer but will have a massively positive impact on the environment. It is however being considered, with Europe leading the way. They are looking to make this change by 2024, with some other countries possibly to follow.
Until then we will have to put up with multiple cables cluttering up our homes. So let's see what we can do with our unwanted cables.
What to do with old cables
If you find yourself with cables you no longer need, there are plenty of options for what to do with them. With the environment in mind you should always try and find ways to reuse your old cables, whether that's by you or someone else.
There will always be someone out there with a need for one. Cables can easily get broken, often by cheeky devilish pets. Who always seem to head straight for cables as their favourite toy. Or they're left in hotel rooms while franticly packing before checkout. So offering up your unwanted ones to someone else could be helpful. Try asking friends, family or neighbours if they need your unwanted cables. Some new products automatically come with new cables. If you already have that type; why not sell the new one on and make a little money.
However if your cables are broken, damaged or faulty you are going to want to get rid of them. Never pass on cables that are in bad condition for safety reasons.
Can I throw away old cables?
You should never just throw away old cables in your general rubbish. Cables and wires contain very valuable and useful metals. These metals come from the earth and are in short supply; so we need to make sure we are recycling them. Instead of them getting lost in landfill; we can reuse them and in turn reduce mining. This will subsequently cause less destruction for the planet.
How to dispose of old cables and wires
When disposing of old cables and wires it is important to do so sustainably. You must always recycle old wires and cables. You can do this by:
- Taking them to your local recycling facility.
- Sending them to an E-waste company.
- Giving or selling them to a scrap dealer.
- Take them to a retailer that has a recycling program.
- Check you curb side collection.
By recycling all your old wires and cables it will ultimately reduce destruction on the planet.
