How to Properly Dispose of Old Extension Cords

Old extension cords can easily clutter your home. But rather than throwing them in the trash or letting them pile up in a drawer, consider eco-friendly ways to dispose of them properly. This guide will walk you through several options for responsibly getting rid of extension cords you no longer use.

Why Proper Disposal Is Important

Improperly discarding extension cords can lead to environmental and safety issues. Here's why it's important to dispose of them carefully:

They contain plastic and metal that take centuries to decompose in landfills. Recycling them keeps these materials out of landfills.
They may contain hazardous materials like lead that can leach into groundwater if landfilled. Proper disposal prevents contamination.
They pose fire risks if cords have exposed wires or are coiled when discarded. Careful disposal minimizes risks.
Recycling recovers valuable copper and other metals from the cords that can be reused rather than extracted through mining.
It sets a positive example for others to keep toxic materials out of the general waste stream.

Check Condition and Reuse Opportunities

Before disposing of extension cords, check their condition. Lightly used cords in good working order can often be reused or resold/donated rather than immediately discarded.

Test cords by plugging them in to ensure no wires are exposed or damaged. Undamaged cords may still be usable.
Clean dirty cords by wiping down with a damp cloth. This restores appearance for continued personal use.
Consider donating working extension cords to secondhand stores like Goodwill. Someone else may be able to use them.
Sell usable cords locally through Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace or garage sales. List dimensions and condition accurately.
Save quality cords for garage, basement, or outdoor use even if they're too worn for indoor use. They extend your usable cord supply.

Recycling and Disposal Options

If cords are damaged or truly obsolete for you, use one of these responsible disposal options:

Recycling

Recycling extension cords recovers metals and plastics for reuse rather than sending them to landfills.

Check local recycling guidelines. Some accept all cords, others only certain types or will not take them.
Cut cords into 3-4 foot segments with wire cutters. This makes them easier to transport and process.
Strip off any plugs or adapters for separate recycling. Recyclers often require this.
Bring to a waste transfer station if your curbside pickup doesn't take cords. Expect to pay a small fee per pound.

Special Waste Disposal

Heavily damaged or hazardous cords may require special disposal methods:

Take to household hazardous waste collection sites available in many municipalities a few times per year. This keeps them out of landfills.
Scrap metal recycling centers may accept very damaged cords with exposed wires. Call ahead to ask.
Use wire strippers to remove copper wiring for scrap recycling and dispose of plastic sheathing separately.

Trash Disposal

As a last resort, you can dispose of extension cords in your regular household trash. But first:

Cut cords into pieces no more than 2-3 feet long. This prevents tangling hazards for waste disposal workers.
Place pieces in sealed bags before putting in garbage bins. Containing the pieces reduces risks.
Avoid putting cords in recycling bins as they often get screened out of the recycling stream. Check guidelines first.

Be a Conscientious Cord User

The best way to reduce cord waste is to prevent it in the first place by using cords responsibly:

Buy only what you need and choose quality cords that will endure. Avoid cheap cords that fray quickly.
Use extension cord reels and organizers to prevent damage from knots and kinks.
Don't overload cords and use appropriate sizes for amperage needs. This prevents fires.
Unplug appliances completely when not in use to limit wear and tear on cords.
Inspect regularly for damage and replace cords proactively as needed.

With proper maintenance and responsible disposal habits, extension cords can serve useful purposes without needlessly harming the environment. Follow these tips to keep cords out of landfills and avoid potential safety hazards.