The generalization of USB-C in all devices including iPhones marks the end of an era for Apple and raises a practical question for many users: what to do with all these Lightning cables accumulated since 2012? Between responsible recycling and intelligent reuse, here are the different options available to you.
Give your Lightning cables a second life
Before rushing to throw away your cables, there are several solutions to reuse them intelligently. Lightning cables remain perfectly compatible with many older Apple devices such as certain iPad models, AirPods or the Apple Pencil. You can also make people around you happy by giving them to loved ones who still use compatible devices. For those who wish to make a small profit, reselling on platforms like eBay, LeBonCoin or Vinted remains an interesting option, even if the prices are now very low.
If your cables are too numerous or damaged, recycling is the most ecological solution. Several options are available to you.
French society Green_e offers a free recycling service by post. Once received, the cables are crushed and transformed into micro-granules which will be used to make new objects. Large brands such as Carrefour, Lidl, Darty or Boulanger also provide specific collection bins. Apple Stores also collect old cables. To find the nearest collection point, simply consult the government website “Long live objects”.
This transition to USB-C, although restrictive in the short term, is part of a broader environmental approach. Recycling cables makes it possible to recover precious metals such as palladium, gold, nickel and copper. Companies like Nexans are also committed to using at least 30% recycled copper in the manufacturing of their new cables by 2030. In any case, we will have to make the transition by inevitably purchasing new USB accessories. C and/or adapters like:
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