Untangle and sort your cables into matching piles. Use cable ties or rubber bands to roll them up neatly. Place your cords into boxes labeled by type. I repurposed old circular plastic takeout containers, as they are the right shape for coiled up cables.
Try to group your cables by type and function, such as power, data, or fan cables, and use cable ties, clips, or velcro straps to secure them together. Avoid crossing or twisting your cables and keep them as straight and neat as possible.
Invest in Quality Storage Solutions
Cable boxes and racks offer organized and compact storage options, while spools are ideal for longer cables to avoid tangling and damage. The choice of storage solution should factor in the environment where you store the cables, considering humidity, temperature, and ease of access.
Take them to your local scrap yard. There are valuable metals in the cords and you can make a little bit of money.
Place your cords into boxes labeled by type. I repurposed old circular plastic takeout containers, as they are the right shape for coiled up cables. We now have a row of easy to access containers bearing legends like HDMI, USB-C to USB-C, USB-A to Micro USB, and so on.
An old diaper caddy, garden organizer, or tool bag with large pockets can make the ideal cord storage system. Or try reusing a rotating tie or belt organizer to keep cords in line. Drape each cord on the individual hooks and hang it where it's out of reach for little ones.
All cables contain copper, a valuable material, making them suitable for recycling. Many standard cable plastics can be recycled too, although some may pose challenges due to the presence of additives.
The easiest way to keep your cables from mingling with each other is to tie them -- wrap them loosely around your hand, twist the cord around the middle a few times, and then slip the loose end through the loop (here's an Instructables guide on how to do this).
I use a small paint mixing bucket - because it's what I have - to wrap the cables around to make similarly sized loops. A filing cabinet works well to organize the loops, placed vertically within the drawers, separated by cardboard dividers when necessary, with the ends visible to differentiate cables.
Do not use an indoor extension cord outdoors. Do not overload cords with more than the proper electrical load. Do not run extension cords through doorways, holes in ceilings, walls, or floors.
Applying the Bundle Method
Wrap the cable around itself, using your fingers as a guide for wrapping. Use four fingers for this process. Loop the cord around the bundle. When you've looped the cord around your base hand a few times, pull it off, trying to keep it together as you do.
There are some electronics stores that take these types of items for recycling, including Best Buy, so consider dropping the cords off there. Finally, if you don't have a Best Buy near you call your waste disposal company and ask them where to drop them off for proper disposal and recycling.
If you're one of the many with old wires and similar items lying around, don't just toss them in the garbage. Like old electronic devices, chargers, wires, and cables are still classified as e-waste that must be handled carefully when it's time to get rid of it.
Old circuit boards, cables, and screens all contain small amounts of valuable elements like copper, gold, and silver that can be extracted and reused.