The Do’s and Don’ts of Old Phone Chargers and Other E-waste

Smartphones are an essential part of most people’s daily lives. With most people replacing their smartphones as often as every three to four years, older models rapidly become outdated. As electronic devices are frequently changing and advancing, upgrades don’t just mean getting new devices but also purchasing new cables and chargers suitable for the latest device model. 

There are about 30 models of chargers, and as directed by the European Commission, by 2024, all phones and small electronic devices sold within the European Union require a universal USB-C charging port. As a result, the masses of different models of chargers will be minimized to just three. Regardless of this advancement, most of us have already collected and forgotten about a stash of old devices, chargers, and cables. The question is, what should you and shouldn’t be doing with these outdated electronic gadgets?

Don’t trash them 

Most people don’t realize that disposing of old phone chargers and cables in a regular trash bin harms the environment. The various plastics, metals, and materials incorporated in these chargers and cables do not break down naturally. For instance, polyvinyl chloride is a plastic frequently used in chargers and cables; decomposing takes 30 or more years. 

Any electronic waste that includes a plug, battery, or cable should be handled in an environmentally friendly manner. All cables contain copper, which is appropriate for recycling and extremely valuable. Many of the standard cable plastics are convenient for recycling, though some may be challenging.  

What should you instead do with them?

Some retailers offer alternative options for getting rid of unwanted electronic products, and most recycling centers accept most common wires and cables. Dropping off old and unwanted phone cables and chargers at a recycling center will guarantee the devices are disposed of properly. 

Companies such as  HOBI focus on maximizing the return value of retired IT assets and ensuring they are disposed of properly. HOBI offers services such as repair, refurbishment, remarketing, resale, and recycling. HOBI prioritizes waste prevention by recovering and reusing products as long as possible and recycling those that are not functional.

For more information about our ITAD services, call 817-814-2620 or contact HOBI at sales@hobi.com.