Yes, extension cords can be recycled — but not in your curbside bin.

Yes, but not the way you’re thinking. Tossing a cord in the blue bin is bad news — the copper inside is valuable, but the plastic sheath and plugs tangle up recycling machinery. It becomes garbage, not recycled.

Take it to an e-waste drop-off instead. Many cities have electronics recycling events or permanent collection sites. Big box home improvement stores (Home Depot, Lowe’s) sometimes have bins for cords and small electronics. Or haul it to a scrap metal yard — they pay by the pound for copper, so you might get a couple bucks.

The absolute worst thing you can do is cut it up and stuff it in the trash. That copper is perfectly recyclable, and sending it to the landfill is wasteful. Spend the ten minutes finding a proper drop-off, and you’re done.

Donate it if it still works. Someone might need a spare cord more than you need the hassle.