Have a Bunch of Old Cords and Cables? Here’s What to Do With Them
Just about everyone has a box of old cords and cables in their basement or junk closet. Every time you buy a new device, you get another charger. Then the old one gets chucked into the box with the other ancient relics.
If you’re ready to bid goodbye to those old cords, consider how they can help you make money. Electronic cables and cords contain metals (most commonly copper or aluminum), which you can sell if you know where to go.
Ready to turn your box of trash cords into cold, hard cash? Here are four ways to make money off your old cords. Plus, other ways you could give them a second life.
1. Sell Your Vintage Cables Online
Still hanging onto that GameCube cable from 20 years ago? Or the charger from your first iPhone from 2007? You might be surprised to learn there’s a demand for vintage device cables. Nostalgia sells, and people may still have or buy old devices, but they don’t have the necessary cords or charging cables.
Look on eBay, Facebook Marketplace and similar sites to see how much your cable is selling for. Then, price it competitively to boost your chances of a sale. You could earn a pretty penny for something that’s been sitting in your basement for decades. Especially if you have multiple cords you can sell in a bundle.
Potential earnings: $5 to $200.
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2. Sell Old Cords to a Scrap Metal Yard
Electrical cables are usually made from aluminum or copper wire, which you can sell for scrap. Some scrap metal yards might accept old cords as-is. Others might require you to strip the plastic or rubber from the wire before they’ll accept it. Call your local scrapyard ahead of time to see what they prefer.
You can maximize your earnings by separating your scrap wires by type. How much you can make will depend on the type of metal (copper is typically more valuable) and the condition it’s in. Check in your local area for recyclers that buy scrap metal.
Potential earnings: Up to $4.30 per pound.
3. Sell to Local Contractors
This one might take a little bit of networking. If your cords are in decent shape, you might be able to sell the wire to local contractors or electricians for them to use their projects. Start by asking around to see if there’s a demand — not all contractors will be interested.
If you do find a local pro who can use the old wire from your cables, keep up the relationship. You could make a few dollars now and potentially more in the future as you accumulate more cords, either from your own electronics or at places like thrift stores.
Potential earnings: Varies by contractor, but the $4.30 per pound is a good place to start. Be prepared for some haggling.
4. Make Wire Crafts to Sell
There’s a growing demand for homemade garden and home decor made from recycled materials. If you’re crafty, consider using the scrap wire from your cords to make wire sculptures, jewelry or other artistic items. Then, sell them on Etsy or at local craft markets. The best part of this option is you can set your own prices. And you get to enjoy a nice creative outlet.
Potential earnings: A few dollars to hundreds of dollars, depending on demand.
5. Repurpose Old Cords to Save Money
Selling your old cords isn’t the only way to help your budget. Consider repurposing old cables around your home instead of buying new ones.
For example, you could use the metal wire from your old cables to repair a fence, organize loose cables, support climbing plants or for flower arrangements. Or, make jewelry and art not to sell but to enjoy for yourself. The sky’s the limit when it comes to old wire.
Potential earnings: $0, but you could save money by reducing your spending.
Other Way to Get Rid of Old Cords and Cables
If none of these options work for you but you’re tired of the clutter, don’t hit the dumpster just yet. There are ways to put your old cords to use.
Donate to Local Schools
If your local middle or high school has a STEM program, they might be able to use your old cords for projects.
Students can use the cables to learn about wiring — and some schools might even use devices that need older (and harder to access) cables. Art students could use some cords and cables to create recycled sculptures. Call first before dropping off a box at a school.
Ask Friends and Family
Just because you don’t need a certain cord anymore, that doesn’t mean it’s useless. Check with your friends and family members to see whether anyone can use your old cords before you dispose of them. Before offering old cords to your loved ones, test them to make sure they work.
Recycle Responsibly
Old electronic cables contain metals and plastics that can be harmful to the environment. Some may even contain lead, mercury or flame retardants. These materials are hazardous and can contaminate the soil if they end up in the landfill.
Rather than tossing old cords in the trash, look for local electronic recycling programs. Your local municipality may have a program in place. If not, many retailers (like Best Buy, Staples or The Home Depot) have programs in place to prevent electronics and cables from entering landfills.
To you, your box of old cords is trash. But to someone else, that box is a treasure chest just waiting to be opened. Make some extra money by selling your in-demand cables or scrapping the metal for cash. You never know how some else could find a use for them.
Catherine Hiles is a Certified Financial Education Instructor and freelance writer specializing in personal finance and home improvement. She lives in Ohio with her husband, two children and couch-loving dog.
