Can I Finally Toss These Old Cables?

Yes, you can finally toss most of those old cables, but not all of them—it depends on the connector types you have and what devices you still use. This article helps you sort through your cable drawer, tells you which ones are truly obsolete, which are worth keeping, and how to recycle the rest safely.

Why This Question Matters

Most households have a “cable drawer” or a box of tangled wires that nobody touches. Over the years, cables accumulate from old phones, cameras, printers, and other electronics. The question “Can I finally toss these old cables?” is really about decluttering without regret. The answer depends on what you own now and what you might buy in the future.

Technology changes quickly, but some connectors have been around for decades and are still used. Others have disappeared entirely. Knowing the difference helps you avoid throwing away something you’ll need next week—or keeping a box of useless wires for ten years.

The Cables You Can Safely Toss

These are the connectors that are almost certainly obsolete for most people. If you don’t have a device that uses them, you can recycle them.

VGA (15-pin) – used for old monitors and projectors. Modern displays use HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB-C.
DVI (29-pin) – another old monitor connector, rarely found on new devices.
Parallel (DB-25) – used for printers and scanners in the 1990s. No modern computer has a parallel port.
Serial (DB-9) – used for mice, modems, and some industrial equipment. Unless you’re a hobbyist, you don’t need it.
PS/2 (round, 6-pin) – for old keyboards and mice. Modern ones use USB or Bluetooth.
FireWire (IEEE 1394) – used for some external drives and camcorders in the 2000s. USB and Thunderbolt replaced it.
SCART (21-pin) – common in Europe for AV connections, but HDMI has taken over.
RCA composite (yellow, red, white) – analog video and stereo audio. Most TVs now only have HDMI, though some have a 3.5mm jack.
Proprietary phone chargers – old Nokia, Samsung, or Sony Ericsson chargers. With USB-C becoming the standard, these are useless.

If you have any of these and no device that uses them, you can toss them.

Cables Worth Keeping

Some cables are still widely used, even if they’re older. You’ll likely need these in the next few years:

USB-A to USB-C – still the most common charging cable for phones, earbuds, and many gadgets.
USB-C to USB-C – for laptops, tablets, and newer phones.
HDMI – for TVs, monitors, projectors, and game consoles.
DisplayPort – for high-end monitors and some laptops.
Ethernet (Cat5e/Cat6) – for wired internet, still faster and more reliable than Wi-Fi in many cases.
3.5mm audio – for headphones and speakers, though many phones no longer have a jack, it’s still common.
USB-A to Micro-USB – still used for some older devices, e-readers, and cheap gadgets.
Lightning – if you own an iPhone (before iPhone 15) or older iPad, you’ll need it.

Also keep any cable that comes with a device you still use—like a camera charger or a smartwatch dock. It’s better to keep a few extras than to need one and not have it.

How to Decide: A Simple Checklist

Go through your cables one by one and ask these questions:

Do I have a device that uses this exact connector? If yes, keep it.
Could I buy a device in the next year that uses it? If you’re not sure, check what ports your current devices have. If none use it, toss it.
Is it damaged? Frayed, bent, or broken cables should be recycled—they’re a fire hazard.
Do I already have more than two of the same kind? You rarely need more than two of any cable. Keep the best two, recycle the rest.
Is it proprietary? If it came with a specific device (like a camera or drone), keep it only if you still own that device.

If you’re still unsure, keep it for now. Put it in a separate “maybe” box and revisit in six months. If you haven’t needed it by then, recycle it.

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

One common mistake is assuming that all USB cables are the same. USB-A to Micro-USB, USB-A to Mini-USB, and USB-A to USB-C all look similar but are not interchangeable. Another mistake is keeping a cable because it’s “new” even though you have no device for it. A cable is only useful if it fits a port you own.

Another misconception: “If it’s old, it’s obsolete.” Not true. For example, Ethernet cables are decades old but still essential for many home networks. 3.5mm audio jacks are also old but still found on many devices. The age of the cable doesn’t matter—only whether your devices use it.

Finally, don’t forget that some cables can be adapted. For example, a VGA cable can be used with a VGA-to-HDMI adapter if you have an old monitor. But adapters can be expensive and sometimes don’t work well. If you don’t already have the adapter, it’s usually not worth buying one just to use an old cable.

Recycling and Disposal

Never throw cables in the regular trash. They contain copper and plastic that can be recycled. Many electronics stores have recycling bins for cables and small electronics. Some municipalities have e-waste collection days. You can also check with your local recycling center—many accept cables.

If the cable is still in good condition, consider donating it to a school or a thrift store. Some organizations accept used cables for educational programs. But if it’s damaged, recycle it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I recycle cables with the plastic connectors?

Yes, you can recycle the entire cable as-is. The recycling facility separates the plastic and metal. Just make sure the cable is not tangled with other cables—cut it into smaller pieces if needed.

What if I have a cable that I don’t know what it is?

If you don’t know what a cable is, you probably don’t need it. But you can try to identify it by looking at the connector shape and counting the pins. A quick online search with a photo can help. If you can’t identify it after a few minutes, recycle it.

Is it safe to throw cables in the trash?

It’s not recommended. Cables contain copper, which is valuable, and the plastic can take decades to break down. Many places have laws against disposing of electronics in landfills. Check your local regulations.

How do I know if a cable is damaged?

Look for frayed wires, exposed copper, bent pins, or a loose connection. If the cable feels warm when charging, it may be damaged. Damaged cables can cause short circuits or fires, so recycle them immediately.

Can I sell my old cables?

Some cables, especially high-quality HDMI or Ethernet cables, might have resale value. But most old cables are not worth much. You can try selling them in a bundle on an online marketplace, but don’t expect to make much money. Recycling is usually easier and more environmentally friendly.

What should I do with cables that came with devices I no longer own?

If you don’t have the device, you don’t need the cable. Recycle it or donate it. Keeping it “just in case” rarely pays off—you’ll probably never get the same device again.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.

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