An Engadget guide argues against throwing away old USB charging cables, noting that many still conduct power even if they no longer fit current devices. For businesses, that points to a simple way to reduce office clutter and avoid replacing cables that still work.
The practical suggestions include labeling working cables for a dedicated charging station or packing them into a travel kit so a lost cable isn't a costly loss. For cables that no longer charge reliably, the copper inside can be stripped and used as garden twine, while intact cables can become plant hangers, drawer handles, or craft materials. The guide warns that frayed cables can pose a fire risk if used to carry current, so caution is advised.
Underlying the advice is a larger waste problem: the UN's Global E-waste Monitor 2024 estimated the world generated 69 million tons of e-waste in 2022, with only 22.3 percent documented as properly collected and recycled. Since USB cables are mostly copper and plastic, keeping them out of landfills matters. Retailers such as Best Buy and Staples accept old cables for recycling when reuse is no longer possible.
The source is a consumer-focused guide rather than a business analysis, but its implications for procurement and waste management are clear: small choices about old cables can reduce both material costs and environmental impact.