Where to Donate A/V Cables, Old Modem Routers, Old Phones?

solar on 03/01/2019 - 23:50
Last edited 03/01/2019 - 23:50

Hello,

I have a collection of A/V cables (decent quality, mostly from Monoprice) including TOSlink optical audio, RCA, high quality component cables, composite cables, VGA cables, S-video cables as well as 2 computer mouse, 2 external 500GB harddrives a couple of ADSL2+ modem/routers and some ethernet 1.5 cables that I am looking to get rid of.

I also have some old non-smart phones and one nexus 4 to get rid of (all working condition, with chargers).

I had originally planned to sell on eBay/gumtree but I just don't have the time.

Can anyone suggest a charity or non-profit where I could donate these things where they could be put to use?

So far I have only found places that would recycle them - which would be a shame as they are all perfectly functional - several of the cables are still brand new.

Places like Vinnies don't take electrical. Please provide any suggestions that you can think of.
Thanks

Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • Gandalf the Thrifty on 04/01/2019 - 00:03

    Council resource recovery centre ie dump - electronic waste section, was where I was planning on eventually taking mine.

    • Clear on 04/01/2019 - 00:12
      +2

      I don't think that's what OP is after as they'll end up recycled or in Agbogbloshie. Rather someone who can reuse it.

      • Gandalf the Thrifty on 04/01/2019 - 00:19

        True. I'd be happy to see somewhere else but I think that is the most likely outcome.

  • Diji1 on 04/01/2019 - 00:17

    Can't recall any names but there are charities that provide computers for people receiving unemployment and the like, maybe they'd want some of it.

    Possibly not the A/V stuff though.

  • [Deactivated] on 04/01/2019 - 00:22
    +6

    Too good to keep them in a box for eternity like everyone else?

    Do you think you're better than us or something?

  • whooah1979 on 04/01/2019 - 00:23

    Most of those items are ewaste except for the HDD.

  • solar on 04/01/2019 - 00:51
    +1

    As Clear mentioned - was hoping to find some charity/group that could actually use them. While many of the items are for deprecated formats, buying these cables from online shops is still quite expensive which is why it seems such a waste to just recycle them.

    Drew22 - you have no idea how painful it is to get rid of these; thought I'd have this box of cables forever.

    • whooah1979 on 04/01/2019 - 05:56
      -1

      The retail price for these cables may be high, but what makes them better than $1 cables from China?

      • solar on 04/01/2019 - 10:23

        Quite a bit actually. Perhaps you are thinking of the numerous discussions on this forum around HDMI cables which carry a digital signal (in which there is still some difference, but only until a base quality level where the cable has sufficient shielding to prevent EM interference). Component, composite and RCA cables carry an analog signal which is greatly affected by the quality of the cable and connector as well as the shielding.

        Also - you won't find all of these cable types available for sale for $1 from China.

        • whooah1979 on 04/01/2019 - 10:28

          I like this part.
          https://arstechnica.com/civis/viewtopic.php?p=18908661#p1890…

          $40 cables are worth it if they make your system sound that tiny bit better.

          https://arstechnica.com/civis/viewtopic.php?p=18908652#p1890…

          • solar on 04/01/2019 - 13:54

            @whooah1979: Linking to forum arguments which contain no supporting evidence or references is not very compelling evidence of your point. Particularly since they are comparing Monster cables to $15 local cables (which are similar or above the price point of Monoprice - which I already stated is the brand of most of my cables. Though I do have a $50 set of long component video cables). As well, they are discussing audio cables and as per my list above, all of my analog cables are video (audio and video signals are at different frequencies, and video signals require higher bandwidth and must be matched to the impedance of the source machine).

            The Signal to Noise Ratio of analog cables can be affected by internal impedance, which can be increased due to quality of copper used and gauge of wiring used as well as the quality and material used for the connectors. The cable should have 75ohm resistance. Cheaper cables run the risk of mismatched impedance (particularly over longer runs of cable) if they do not have true 75ohm resistance or if they use lower quality copper. (no wires have true 75ohm impedance over their length - it's a case of "as close as they can get it" in which case higher quality cables are much more likely to be closer to the 75ohm mark than $1 cables are).

            Shielding also plays a concern, particularly if there is EM interference from older wiring or multiple components in the area (EMI is all around us). All of these concerns are amplified if a longer run of video cable in used. Braided grounding shields and non-magnetic foil should be used to reduce the effect of EMI on the signal.

            Finally the manufacturing quality of the cable is a question. The solder of the RCA connectors to the cable will have considerable effect on the signal quality. As well, the gauge of wire used with the quality and material of protective casing used will have an effect on longevity and durability of the cable.

            Your $1 Chinese cable will not be coming with gold plated connectors or high quality copper used for the wiring. They will have poor shielding (if any at all) and are unlikely to be close to the ideal 75ohm impedance rating. And they will likely have cheap sheathing providing poor protection. All of these aspect will have a verifiable effect on signal quality and durability.

            For reference, a detailed breakdown can be found here: https://www.audioholics.com/audio-video-cables/component-vid…

  • dcep on 04/01/2019 - 01:09

    Free Geek …

    wait, that's Canada

  • [Deactivated] on 04/01/2019 - 02:08

    Send them to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

  • mypantsaretight on 04/01/2019 - 02:18

    https://www.mobilemuster.com.au/recycling/
    look at bottom of reuse option tab

    https://bower.org.au/collections/
    try this place for your cables, it was not listed in either accept or not accept list

    • solar on 04/01/2019 - 12:35

      thanks for those

  • JordanM on 04/01/2019 - 07:41
    +1

    I volunteer at a Vinnies in QLD and we will take cables, anything electrical donated can be sent to the depot to be tagged/tested.

    • solar on 04/01/2019 - 12:35

      Thanks - I tried one Vinnies and got shot down but will try a larger one and see if they will take.

    • solar on 04/01/2019 - 14:16

      Sadly didn't work. 2 different Diocese in my area. One doesn't take any electricals. The other takes electricals but not cables or phones or routers etc.

      • Clear on 05/01/2019 - 01:34

        Try their state office as they might know which stores would take them.

  • Corrugated Ironman on 04/01/2019 - 10:30

    Here’s a whirlpool thread
    https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/243624
    Sorry I haven’t read thru it yet. It looks to be about computers but might give some leads on who may want old phones, cable etc
    Grea idea op

    • solar on 04/01/2019 - 12:34

      Thanks for that - I had already gone through that thread and unfortunately none of the listed options panned out. I am going to try more Vinnies stores based on comment from poster above.

  • outlander on 04/01/2019 - 10:44
    +1

    Can throw it up on ebay as a bulk lot. 99c no reserve. Someone close with more time might be interested in buying it and reselling the parts.

    • Krankite on 04/01/2019 - 11:58
      +1

      I Second this.

      I did this with all my old PC parts that "might be useful one day" when i ran out of time to tinker with PCs to save a few $. I just took a photo of the box and a few items that might have been worth over $10, then put it up as no reserve pickup only. Got about $100 If the guy parted it out and sold it they could probably get $300 so evereyone wins.

    • [Deactivated] on 05/01/2019 - 09:39

      Can throw it up on ebay as a bulk lot. 99c no reserve.

      And since wanted to donate to charity, donate proceeds of bulk lot sale to charity.

      Take pics of everything spread on a table or something. Explain a few of the items briefly.

  • Sergeant Salami on 04/01/2019 - 12:11

    Sell on ebay with a low starting price or take them to officeworks. They recycle e-waste.

    I'd keep the Nexus 4, it is a collectors item.

    • solar on 04/01/2019 - 12:45
      +1

      The Nexus 4, really? I'm more depressed about getting rid of my Motorola Razr and Nokia 3595. They make me feel like a spy with burner phones.

      • Sergeant Salami on 04/01/2019 - 13:54

        Which Razr? I had a v3.

        • solar on 04/01/2019 - 13:56

          maxx V6 … kinda want to pretend I'm in Breaking Bad and snap the clamshell but that would be a waste….

      • sud on 14/01/2019 - 23:37

        Don't get rid of any Nokia device Ever.

        P.S. If you will throw out a Nokia device, do tell me, I'll come and collect it :)

  • myusername on 04/01/2019 - 12:55
    +1

    try a local charity in your area.

    maybe they might know someone that fixes up old pcs for struggling families.

    i did it years ago in brissy

  • Love a bargain on 04/01/2019 - 19:05

    I think Salvos take electrical

    • solar on 04/01/2019 - 22:14

      thanks. tried them today. No luck.

  • alvian on 05/01/2019 - 03:35

    Post them in Ozbargain Classified Freebies

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