Many households accumulate a drawer full of old cables, but not all are worth keeping. Some older connectors, like Fire Wire (IEEE 1394) and SCSI cables, have become largely obsolete, primarily useful only for professionals with legacy audio/video equipment or vintage computing enthusiasts. Similarly, Apple's 30-pin connector cables are now only useful for specific older devices like the iPod.

Cables like DVI and VGA are also candidates for recycling unless you still use corresponding older monitors and PCs. Even charging cables for defunct fitness bands should be discarded. Coaxial cables, once standard for TVs, are generally only needed for vintage VHS players.

However, some cables remain essential. USB-C is the current universal standard and worth keeping, perhaps upgrading to faster versions. USB-A to B cables are still common for printers, and mini-USB and micro-USB cables are needed for various devices like microphones, cameras, and hard drives. Even if you've upgraded, keeping at least one Lightning cable can be useful for visiting friends. High-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 cables are crucial for modern gaming and 4K/8K content, and Display Port/Mini Display Port cables are still relevant for monitors and laptops. Finally, the ubiquitous 3-prong trapezoid power cords for PCs and other devices should definitely be retained.