Places That Accept Donations of Old Chargers: A Comprehensive Guide

In our fast-paced digital era, technology evolves faster than ever, and many of us find ourselves surrounded by a tangle of old phone chargers, unused USB cables, and retired power adapters. Rather than tossing these spare accessories into the trash, why not consider giving them a second life? There are numerous places that accept donations of old chargers, and doing so not only declutters your space but also supports sustainability and helps those in need. This comprehensive guide will introduce you to the best locations and organizations where your gently used charger donations can make a difference.

Why Donate Old Chargers?

• Environmental Impact: Donating old chargers helps keep electronic waste (e-waste) out of landfills, reducing pollution and the strain on natural resources.
• Helping Others: Many non-profits and schools rely on donated electronics to support low-income families, students, and those in need.
• Decluttering: Freeing up space in your home by getting rid of unwanted chargers can create a more organized environment.
• Supporting Circular Economy: Extending the lifespan of electronics supports a more sustainable, circular economy model.

Best Places to Donate Old Chargers

With so many options, it can be overwhelming to decide where to donate your old chargers. Below, we outline some of the most reputable places that take charger donations and how to get involved with each one.

1. Local Electronics Recycling Centers and Charities

Many communities feature local electronics recycling centers that accept donations of old electronics, including phone and laptop chargers, cables, and adapters. These centers often partner with charities, schools, or refurbishing programs to distribute usable accessories and recycle what cannot be reused.

• How to Find Them: Search for "electronics donation near me" or visit your city's website for listings.
• Tips: Call ahead to confirm they accept charger donations and to ask about any preparation requirements (such as bundling cables).

2. National Donation Networks

Several well-known organizations have nationwide programs that collect old chargers and other electronics for donation or recycling.

• Goodwill: Most Goodwill locations accept small electronics and accessories. Be sure to check with your local branch to confirm they take chargers.
• The Salvation Army: Some Salvation Army thrift stores accept electronic accessories for resale or redistribution.
• Best Buy: This popular retailer offers free recycling for a wide range of electronics, including phone and laptop chargers, at all of its U.S. stores.
• Staples: At participating locations, Staples accepts used chargers, cables, and cords as part of their technology recycling program.

3. Schools and Educational Institutions

Schools, colleges, and after-school programs often need extra charging cables and adapters for students. Donating your old chargers to educational institutions helps bridge technology gaps for students who may not have the resources at home.

• Contact Local Schools: Reach out to your neighborhood schools and inquire whether they accept charger donations.
• After-School Programs: Organizations like Boys and Girls Clubs or community centers frequently need charging accessories for student use.

4. Libraries and Community Centers

Public libraries and community centers increasingly offer technology lending programs or on-site device charging stations. Donating old phone chargers to these organizations supports their technology initiatives and assists members of the community who rely on public resources.

5. Nonprofit Organizations Focusing on Digital Equity

Many nonprofits strive to close the digital divide by providing devices and accessories to underprivileged individuals and families. Consider donating your used device chargers to one of these impactful organizations:

• Human-I-T: This organization refurbishes electronics and donates them to those in need. Check their website for drop-off locations and required items.
• Cell Phones for Soldiers: Primarily focused on cell phones, but they sometimes accept working chargers and cables for distribution to troops and veterans.
• EveryoneOn: Dedicated to improving digital access, this nonprofit may accept electronic and charging accessory donations in select areas.

6. Religious Institutions

Many churches, mosques, synagogues, or temples have outreach programs or organize periodic electronic donation drives. Ask your local religious community if they collect old phone chargers for donation or know of partner organizations in need.

7. Tech Repair Shops

Local electronic or computer repair shops sometimes collect gently used accessories, such as laptop chargers, USB cables, and phone adapters, to repurpose or sell at a reduced cost to customers in need.

• Support Local Businesses: Donating to small, independent repair shops benefits both the business and the community.
• Reuse and Upcycling: Many shops creatively upcycle electronic accessories, further reducing waste.

8. Freecycle and Buy Nothing Groups

If you'd like to keep your donation hyper-local, consider platforms that enable direct giving in your neighborhood.

• Freecycle: An online network where you post items (like phone chargers or laptop adapters) for free to people in your area.
• Buy Nothing Project: A grassroots initiative, usually organized on Facebook, where neighbors give and request items for free.

9. Online Charitable Platforms

Some websites facilitate donations and recycling of electronics, including chargers. This is an excellent option for those unable to deliver items in person.

• GiveBackBox: This service lets you mail gently used electronics (including chargers for donation) to participating charities.
• Earth911: Use their locator tool to find convenient drop-off sites for charger donations or e-waste recycling.

10. Tech-Specific Donation Drives

Watch for local events such as "electronics recycling days" or community technology drives hosted by businesses, environmental committees, or city councils. These drives often accept old phone chargers and cables for donation or responsible recycling.

How to Prepare Chargers for Donation

Before donating, it's important to ensure your chargers are in good, usable condition. Follow these steps:

• Test Functionality: Plug in your charger to check that it still works.
• Clean the Equipment: Wipe down the cords and plugs with a damp cloth to remove dust or grime.
• Bundle and Label: Use a twist tie or rubber band to bundle cables neatly. If possible, label the type of device the charger supports (e.g., "iPhone 6 Charger" or "USB-C Laptop Adapter").
• Check Organization Requirements: Some places ask for specific types of chargers, so review instructions before donating.

Donation Etiquette and Tips

• Only donate working chargers. Non-working or damaged items should be recycled, not donated.
• Pair with matching devices if possible. If you have old phones or tablets, donate them together.
• Ask for a tax receipt from charities, as some donations are tax-deductible.
• Review privacy concerns. If you're donating a charger along with its device, be sure to wipe any personal data from the gadgets.

Benefits of Donating Old Chargers

Still not convinced? Here's why donating your old chargers is better than letting them languish in a drawer or tossing them out:

• Reduces e-waste. Electronics are among the fastest-growing sources of trash; proper donation or recycling intercepts harmful waste streams.
• Supports those in need. Many families and schools can't afford to replace lost or broken chargers, making your donation truly valuable.
• Encourages responsible consumption. Donating teaches and models the importance of reusing and sharing resources.
• Can spark joy and gratitude. You may never meet the recipient, but your small act can make a big difference.

FAQ: Where Can I Donate Old Chargers?

Can I donate old chargers to Goodwill?

Yes, most Goodwill locations accept gently used charger donations, but it's always wise to call ahead and confirm.

Do schools accept charger donations?

Absolutely! Many schools are happy to receive working phone, tablet, or laptop chargers for students and classrooms.

What should I do if my charger doesn't work?

Damaged or non-functioning chargers should be taken to an electronics recycler rather than donated.

Are charger donations tax-deductible?

Donations to most qualified nonprofits or charities are tax-deductible. Be sure to request a receipt for your records.

Can I donate chargers by mail?

Yes, some organizations and platforms such as GiveBackBox and various national charities allow for mail-in donations of old chargers and other electronics.

What About International Donations?

If you're interested in donating on a global scale, some charities collect and ship electronic accessories to developing countries. Programs like Tech for Good or World Computer Exchange accept device and charger donations to support students and small businesses worldwide. Always check the current item needs and shipping policies before sending.

Conclusion: Giving Old Chargers a Second Chance

The next time you encounter a drawer full of tangled cords and surplus chargers, think twice before throwing them away. Whether through local businesses, charity organizations, or community groups, there are many places that accept donations of old chargers ready to put your unused electronics to good use. By donating, you reduce waste, help someone in need, and support a cleaner planet.

Now that you know where to donate old chargers, gather up those spare cords and make a positive impact today!

Quick List: Places That Take Old Charger Donations

• Electronics recycling centers
• Goodwill and Salvation Army
• Best Buy and Staples
• Local schools and libraries
• Nonprofits (Human-I-T, EveryoneOn, Cell Phones for Soldiers)
• Tech repair shops
• Churches and religious institutions
• Freecycle and Buy Nothing Project
• Online charitable mailing programs
• Community technology donation drives

Let your old chargers charge up someone else's life!