1. Recycling
Charging cables are one of those household items that you might not know you can recycle. Or how to recycle them. ‘A designated waste or recycle centre will ensure both the plastic surround and the wires are handled appropriately,’ says Laura Haddy, APDO member and founder of Clear The Chaos Ltd.
2. Plant hangers
Making some of your wires into plant hangers is the perfect upcycling project for beginners. Charging cables are largely made out of PVC coating (a form of plastic) and metal wires on the inside. So when not in contact with electricity, they are just materials and are safe to repurpose into something other than a charging medium.
3. Garden ties
If you’re looking for an upcycling idea for the garden, then utilising old charging cables is something worth trying as Jenny suggests they can be ‘used as ties for those more robust plants.’
4. Coasters
Do you like an arts and crafts project? Then you can turn your charging cables into funky coasters. ‘They could be coiled up and used for coasters, used outdoors or given as a unique present,’ Jenny suggests. Laura adds, ‘Maybe there is a local organisation that would benefit if that's not your thing.’
5. Hanging pictures
Similarly to plant hangers, you can also hang framed pictures from your old cables as they can be ‘used as a string to hang pictures, ornaments or fairy lights, particularly good for outside,’ Jenny notes. But really, the possibilities are endless -if you get a little creative.