What to Do with Those Old Cables: Keep, Toss, or Recycle Them?

This one can seem like a great big mystery, but you don’t need Matlock to solve it for you. In truth, you need just a handful of cords to operate today’s devices. The QR code below will take you to our online guide for help in visually identifying them. The list includes the mini-usb, micro-usb, usb-c, display port, usb-a to b, and the 3.5mm auxiliary.

It’s okay to recycle other cords, like the Apple 30-pin, DVI, VGA, RCA Composite, S-Video, and Phone Cable (also pictured in our guide). If by chance you end up needing a missing cord for an outdated device, you can purchase it from a specialty shop online.

How to safely store the cables you keep? It’s better to secure them in gentle loops than tight, accordion-style folds. And a Velcro tie is less of a strain on a cord than a wire zip tie. Binder clips are great for cable management, too. Clamp them to the back of a desk and run the cords through the arms beneath the surface—out of sight.