Ahead of its 2024 Environmental Progress Report and Earth Day on April 22, Apple has reminded us it’ll recycle our iPhones and other devices for free.
There’s a link at the top of Apple websites around the world taking visitors to the company’s Trade-In page, where they can learn everything about its trade-in initiatives, including which devices are supported, how to find an estimated trade-in value and how to trade in your old device when buying a new one.
“We’ll recycle your Apple devices, cables, cases, accessories and other similar electronics for free,” says Apple. “You’ll help protect the earth’s precious resources and reduce waste as we work toward a better future for the planet.”
Meet Apple’s recycling robots
Apple also shared a new YouTube video highlighting its specialized recycling equipment. Titled “Recycling Robots,” the clip says these custom-designed can recycle various components from 23 different iPhone models.
“Our custom recycling robot Daisy can disassemble 23 different iPhone models to recover crucial materials like gold and rare earth elements,” says Apple.
“Robot Dave extracts tungsten from Taptic Engines, while robot Taz takes care of audio modules. Together, they’re leading the way in recovering recycled materials for the next generation of products.”
Apple has pledged to use fully recycled cobalt in iPhone batteries, entirely recycled rare earth elements in magnets and 100 percent recycled tin soldering and gold plating on electronic logic boards—all by 2025.
Apple has tasked itself with making its every product carbon neutral by 2030.
“Goodbye Leather” and FineWoven complaints
The company published a new video to its YouTube UK channel. Titled “Goodbye Leather,” the clip spotlights Apple’s FineWove accessories made from an eco-friendly leather substitute. “Apple has eliminated leather in accessories to help reduce impact on the planet,” says the 30-second video.
However, these iPhone cases and Apple Watch bands had a somewaht rocky start as the bio-degradable material doesn’t hold up as expected. Complaints range from the material staining and scratching up all too easily, with some folks complaining about the edges peeling off and discoloration after a few months of use.
Here it is. My iPhone 15 Pro Max’s FineWoven case. Peeling edges, scratches and browning like a rotten banana.
An Apple spokesman said that the company’s cases are engineered at the highest standard to protect iPhones.
More on this not-so-fine FineWoven case in my newsletter… pic.twitter.com/cpDc46LpN8
— Joanna Stern (@JoannaStern) February 23, 2024
Apple’s Earth Day celebrations
Every year, Apple celebrates Earth Day by having retail employees wear green shirts and featuring a modified Apple logo with a green leaf on storfronts.
You can expect themed collections of apps/games, songs, podcasts, and movies/TV shows to hit the App Store, Music, TV and Podcasts apps on such occassions.
Apple may even share Earth Day-themed wallpapers and issue fitness challenges to Apple Watch owners to earn special stickers for iMessage and FaceTime.