Where to Recycle Cables and Chargers in Los Angeles (2026)

Cables and Chargers in Los Angeles covers where to recycle cables and chargers in Los Angeles.

Last reviewed by Marcus Williams on 03 April 2026

Where Can Residents Recycle Cables and Chargers in Los Angeles?

Residents of Los Angeles can recycle cables and chargers at several locations, including Best Buy, Staples, and Goodwill drop-off points. Additionally, the city's Department of Public Works offers recycling centers across the area.

According to the World Economic Forum, e-waste is the fastest-growing waste stream globally.

Many people think that throwing away old cables and chargers is okay because they're small items. However, these devices contain valuable metals and toxic materials that can pollute landfills if not disposed of properly. In Los Angeles, there are several convenient options for recycling such electronics responsibly.

Free Drop-off Points for Cables and Chargers in Los Angeles

Best Buy has a take-back program where you can drop off cables and chargers free of charge year-round. Staples also participates in the Electronic Product Recycling Program, allowing customers to recycle up to ten items per day at their stores. Goodwill offers recycling bins specifically designated for electronics at some locations.

According to the Apple Environmental Report 2024, apple recovered over 1 tonne of gold from recycled devices in 2023.

Residents have multiple choices when it comes to recycling cables and chargers. Best Buy's take-back program is one of the most well-known initiatives, where you can drop off your old devices without having to purchase anything new. Staples participates in California's Electronic Waste Recycling Act, which mandates that retailers accept e-waste like cables and chargers free of charge. Goodwill, too, provides recycling bins at select locations for electronic waste.

Special Handling Requirements for Cables and Chargers

Before dropping off your cables and chargers, remove any batteries since they're considered hazardous materials under California law. Data wiping isn't necessary because these items typically don't store personal information, but it's always a good practice to check if the device has been used as a storage drive.

When recycling cables and chargers in Los Angeles, make sure to take out any batteries first. This is important due to state regulations that classify batteries as hazardous waste. While data wiping isn't typically required for these items, it's still smart to ensure no personal information remains on the devices if they were used with storage capabilities.

Trade-in Options for Working Cables and Chargers

Working cables and chargers can sometimes be traded in at Best Buy or other electronics retailers. For instance, Best Buy offers trade-in programs where you might get up to $10 back for a working charger, depending on the condition and model.

Trading in functional cables and chargers is another option available through Best Buy's trade-in program. You could receive anywhere from $2 to $10 per item based on its condition and value. This initiative not only helps recycle but also provides some financial relief when upgrading your electronics.

What Happens to Recycled Cables and Chargers

Once recycled, the materials from cables and chargers are separated into valuable metals like copper and gold, which can then be reused in manufacturing new products. The recovered materials go back into industrial supply chains and help reduce the need for mining raw materials.

The process of recycling cables and chargers involves breaking down these devices to extract useful components such as copper wiring and precious metals. These materials are then sent to manufacturers who use them to create new electronics. Thereby reducing the demand for virgin resources and minimizing environmental impact. According to the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle). Over 100 million pounds of electronic waste were recycled in California in 2020 alone.

Cables and Chargers recycling in Los Angeles plays a important role in managing e-waste sustainably, ensuring that valuable materials are recovered and reused while protecting the environment.

Sources

• World Economic Forum
• Apple Environmental Report 2024