Where to Recycle Cables and Chargers in California (2026)

Cables and Chargers in California covers where to recycle cables and chargers in California.

Last reviewed by Sarah Chen on 01 April 2026

Where specifically in California can residents recycle cables and chargers?

Residents of California have several options for recycling cables and chargers, including Best Buy, Staples, and Goodwill locations across the state. These stores offer free drop-off points where you can responsibly dispose of your old electronic accessories.

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

Free Drop-Off Points for Cables and Chargers in California

Best Buy has a take-back program that allows customers to bring in up to three small electronics per day for recycling at no cost. Staples offers an e-waste recycling bin in each store, while Goodwill locations often have collection events or permanent drop-off stations. Additionally, the state of California operates CalRecycle, which provides a searchable database of certified electronic waste recyclers.

Cables and Chargers recycling in California is made easier by these convenient options at major retailers and community centers. For example, Best Buy's program accepts items like phone chargers and computer cables year-round without any additional fees. Staples bins are typically located near the entrance for easy access. Making it simple to drop off old electronics while shopping.

Special Handling Requirements

Before dropping off your cables and chargers at a recycling center or retail store, there are specific handling requirements you should follow. Remove batteries from devices if possible-some stores won't accept items with batteries still attached due to safety concerns. For items that contain personal data (like USB drives), ensure the information is wiped clean before disposal.

Cables and Chargers in California must meet certain standards to be accepted for recycling safely. Retailers often provide guidelines on their websites or at the drop-off points about how to prepare your cables and chargers for proper handling and disposal. This includes ensuring that all batteries are removed, which helps prevent fires during transportation and processing.

Trade-In Options

If your cables and chargers still work, you can trade them in for some extra cash at places like Best Buy or Apple stores. For instance, Best Buy's Trade-In program lets you bring in old accessories and receive an estimated value credit towards a new purchase. The exact amount varies based on the condition of the item and current market values.

Cables and Chargers recycling in California also includes trade-in opportunities for working devices. For example, Best Buy offers estimates on what your cables and chargers might be worth when you bring them into one of their locations for assessment. While Apple stores don't have a specific cable or charger trade-in program, they accept other electronics like iPhones and iPads.

According to the US EPA, recycling one million laptops saves the energy equivalent of electricity used by 3,657 us homes in a year.

What Happens to Recycled Cables and Chargers

Once your cables and chargers are collected, recyclers break down the devices to recover valuable materials such as copper, gold, and plastic. These recovered materials can then be used in manufacturing new products, reducing the need for virgin resources.

Recycling cables and chargers in California is part of a larger effort to conserve natural resources and prevent pollution. For instance, CalRecycle reports that recycling just one ton of circuit boards yields about 400 grams of gold, which equates to around $15,000 worth at current market prices (as of January 2023). This highlights the importance of proper disposal.

By following these guidelines and taking advantage of local programs, you can help reduce environmental waste and recover valuable materials from your old electronics.

Sources

• WHO
• US EPA