How to Recycle Electrical Cords

Recycling electrical cords helps protect the environment by keeping landfills cleaner and lessening the need for raw copper.

Electrical cords are most commonly made of copper and other wiring coated in a thin layer of plastic. Because they're not specifically mentioned in local recycling programs, people often don't realize that electrical cords are easy to recycle. Copper is a valuable metal and easy to reuse. Even the plastics and other metals can be melted down and reformed. Also, nonprofits and businesses often have their own electronics recycling programs both to make money and have extra electronics on hand.

Instructions

1. Donate the electrical cords to a local nonprofit, including Boy or Girl Scouts, homeless shelters, or community cleanup programs. They often have their own recycling programs for sorting recyclables, and they'll be able to sell the copper in the wiring.

2. Drop off the electrical wiring at a local electronics recycling program, which can be housed at the local library, electronics businesses, or office buildings.

3. Call your local recycling center for information on curbside recycling or dropping off recyclables. If they accept electronics recycling, drop it off at the recycling center. Otherwise, ask for their recommendation and take it to that location.

References

• EPA: Recycling Electronic Products