There is no need to throw away spent USB cables: working cords can be turned into a dedicated charging station for the home or assembled into a travel kit, while worn and outdated models can still power LED lighting and small DIY electronic devices. Experts cited by Engadget report this, according to infohub.kz.
Many people accumulate old and unused charging cables at home. Experts recommend not rushing to toss them in the trash bin, but instead trying to give the cords a second life.
Even faulty cables can come in handy around the house. The copper core inside the wire can be used in the garden — for tying up tomatoes and young trees. Intact cables are made into hanging planters for houseplants, trivets, original handles for sliding drawers and keychains.
Reusing old wires helps reduce the amount of electronic waste. According to the UN's Global E-waste Monitor report, 62 million tonnes of electronic waste were generated worldwide in 2022, and only 22.3% of it was properly collected and recycled.
If a cable has finally failed, it should be taken to a specialized recycling collection point.