Cable Recycling in Berlin (2026): Free Drop-Off & Disposal

Disposing of an old cable in Berlin? This guide lists every option — free drop-off at major retailers (Best Buy, Staples, Office Depot), manufacturer mail-back programs (often free with prepaid label), and certified local recyclers within driving distance. Each option below shows what's accepted, the cost, and what to do with your data before handing the cable over.

Reviewed by the eCycling Central editorial team

Berlin residents disposing of an old Cables and Chargers can choose between retailer trade-in, council bulky-waste collection, and dedicated e-waste recyclers. Compare the options below.

Reviewed by the eCycling Central editorial team on 03 April 2026

Where can residents in Berlin recycle cables and chargers?

Residents of Berlin can recycle their old cables and chargers at designated collection points across the city, including major retailers like MediaMarkt and Saturn. Additionally, electronic waste drop-off centers managed by the local government provide convenient recycling options.

According to the EU Directive 2012/19/EU, The EU WEEE Directive requires member states to collect 65% of electronics placed on the market.

Free Drop-off Points for Cables and Chargers in Berlin

Cables and chargers can be dropped off free of charge at major electronics stores such as MediaMarkt and Saturn, which offer collection bins specifically designed for small electronic devices. These retailers comply with ElektroG, Germany's legal framework that mandates free take-back services for consumers.

MediaMarkt and Saturn have over 50 locations across Berlin where residents can drop off their old cables and chargers without any cost. Each store has clearly marked bins near the entrance, making it easy to dispose of these items responsibly.

According to the WHO, e-waste contains over 1,000 different substances, many of them toxic.

Special Handling Requirements for Cables and Chargers

Before recycling cables and chargers in Berlin, residents must follow certain guidelines. Batteries within chargers need to be removed and disposed of separately at battery collection points. Data wiping isn't typically required since the data storage capacity of most cables and chargers is minimal.

It's important to check if any parts contain hazardous materials, such as lead or mercury. If unsure, local recycling centers can provide guidance on proper disposal methods.

Trade-in Options for Working Cables and Chargers

Working cables and chargers may still have some resale value. MediaMarkt offers trade-in programs where customers can exchange functioning cables and chargers for store credit. The exact amount varies depending on the brand, model, and condition of the items but ranges from €2 to €15 per item.

Saturn also has similar trade-in options available at their Berlin locations. Customers receive vouchers based on the assessed value of the items, which can be used towards future purchases.

What Happens to Recycled Cables and Chargers

Recycling cables and chargers in Berlin involves recovering valuable materials such as copper, plastic, and precious metals like gold and silver. These recovered materials are then sent to specialized recycling facilities where they undergo processing to extract the raw components.

According to a 2018 report by the German Federal Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt), approximately 95% of electrical waste in Germany is recycled, with significant portions of this material reused or repurposed. This process helps reduce environmental impact and promotes sustainable practices within the electronics industry.

Cables and Chargers recycling in Berlin not only ensures compliance with ElektroG but also supports a more circular economy by reducing the need for virgin materials in new products.

Sources

• EU Directive 2012/19/EU
• WHO