The hidden value in your forgotten cables

Find new purpose for your outdated electronics with easy recycling options.

Tucked away in the depths of my closet, an antiquated cabinet harbors three drawers that brim with outdated cables and devices. Each variation of USB and brand name of gadget makes an appearance. I am unlikely to reuse these items, yet tossing them away isn't right either—there's no reason not to opt for recycling.

I'm not alone in this predicament. Shockingly, a mere 12 percent of small electronics are recycled globally, according to a UN report from 2024. The statistics for larger devices aren't much more encouraging. As a result, millions of tons of devices, from obsolete MP3 players to defunct televisions, are discarded. These electronic discards, often termed e-waste, contain precious metals lost to landfills, along with noxious chemicals that may seep into the environment.

Understanding e-waste's complexity

The term 'e-waste' may bring to mind heaps of circuit boards, which is partially correct. These components, along with cables and screens, carry minute quantities of valuable elements like copper and gold. Yet, as more products embed microchips, e-waste now encompasses items like children's illuminated toys and even household appliances.

The burgeoning e-waste conundrum is exacerbated by our increasing production and consumption of electronics, many of which are intentionally designed for short-lived use. In 2022 alone, our e-waste tally reached an astonishing 137 million pounds, translating to 17 pounds per person. Only 22 percent was officially recycled, a stark contrast to the over 50 percent recycling rate of aluminum cans.

Making a conscious effort

If the drive to escalate e-waste recycling initiatives gains momentum, it can significantly lessen our dependence on environmentally harmful mining. Extraction for electronics not only emits substantial greenhouse gases but also wreaks havoc on local ecosystems. Most critical minerals for tech and energy solutions, like those for solar panels or electric vehicles, are sourced from regions often marked by unfair labor conditions. Hence, recycling can help forge a domestic mineral supply chain.

"A global race is underway for access to rare earth materials," notes Nena Shaw from the EPA. "The US is intent on preserving its resources."

Steps towards better recycling

E-waste recycling—expected to encompass valuable materials like gold—is a flourishing industry but faces hurdles: firstly, it's inherently intricate; secondly, it's less practiced than it should be. Recyclers painstakingly disassemble electronic devices to retrieve components, frequently involving complex processes like melting or chemical treatments.

For you to contribute, begin by locating a certified recycler. Programs like R2 and e-Stewards ensure safe and environmentally considerate processing of your old gadgets while safeguarding your data from breaching by securing your hard drive information. Alternatively, drop-off facilities are available at numerous retailers such as Best Buy and Staples, with options like Home Depot managing batteries and light bulbs.

Finally, look into trade-in programs through big retailers like Best Buy or Amazon. Online platforms like Decluttr and Swappa offer credits for your used electronics, much like exchanging books or games. Missing an e-waste event, such as one recently held by New York City's Sanitation Department, is lamentable but preventable with awareness and participation.