Petr Škuta The very popular AirPods wireless headphones, like all products, have a limited lifespan. Then there is the word recycling, which is especially expensive for these headphones, and the recovered materials are rather scarce.
Apple has been working hard on its reputation as a green company lately. On the one hand, all the company's data centers and branches run on green energy, on the other hand, they produce products that are almost impossible to service. The situation is also complicated when it comes to recycling products as such. They are no exception popular wireless headphones AirPods.
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AirPods are designed to be completely user-unrepairable. Respectively, Apple managed to design them to the extent that even authorized service technicians have difficulties with servicing. The individual parts are carefully sealed together and, if necessary, sealed with a proper layer of glue. The chapter itself is the replacement of the battery, which does not have the longest lifespan. With moderate use, it can last more than two years, on the other hand, with proper load, the capacity is reduced by half after less than a year.
Apple does not fundamentally deny this fact. On the other hand, Cupertino emphasizes that it does its best to recycle its wireless headphones. In the recycling process, it cooperates with Wistron GreenTech, which is one of the company's several partners.
Recycling does not support itself yet
A company representative confirmed that they do indeed recycle AirPods. However, it is not an easy job, and instead of the expected robots, all actions are performed by humans. The entire process of disassembling the headphones, including the case, requires gentle handling of tools and slow progress.
The most difficult part is removing the battery and audio components from the polycarbonate cover. If this is successful, the materials are then sent further to be smelted, where especially precious metals such as cobalt are extracted.
This entire process is therefore very demanding, not only technologically, but also financially. The materials and precious metals obtained cannot cover the cost of the entire recycling and therefore a subsidy from Apple is necessary. So Cupertino pays Wistron GreenTech a considerable sum. The scenario will probably be repeated with other partners who recycle products for Apple.
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On the other hand, procedures are constantly improving. So it is possible that one day AirPods and other products can be completely recycled and there will be no waste left. In the meantime, you can contribute to the environment by returning products directly to Apple Stores or authorized service centers.
Source: AppleInsider
