Apple adds Earth Day donations to trade-in and recycling program; reveals new iPhone recycling robot named ‘Daisy’

Ahead of Earth Day, Apple today announced that for every device received at Apple stores and apple.com through the Apple GiveBack program from now through April 30, the company will make a donation to the non-profit Conservation International. As part of its ongoing recycling effort, the company also debuted Daisy, a robot that can more efficiently disassemble iPhone to recover valuable materials. Both Apple GiveBack and Daisy support Apple’s commitment to create a healthier planet through innovation — and help the company move a step closer to its goal of making its products using only recycled or renewable materials.

“At Apple, we’re constantly working toward smart solutions to address climate change and conserve our planet’s precious resources,” said Lisa Jackson, Apple’s vice president of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives. “In recognition of Earth Day, we are making it as simple as possible for our customers to recycle devices and do something good for the planet through Apple GiveBack. We’re also thrilled to introduce Daisy to the world, as she represents what’s possible when innovation and conservation meet.”

Apple GiveBack

Through Apple GiveBack, customers will be able to turn in their devices at any Apple Store or through apple.com to be recycled or traded in. For each Apple device received today through April 30, Apple will make a donation to Conservation International to support its efforts to preserve and protect the environment. Eligible devices will receive credit that customers can use toward an in-store purchase or put on an Apple Store Gift Card for future use.

Conservation International uses science, policy and partnerships to protect the natural world people rely on for food, fresh water and livelihood. Founded in 1987, the organization works in more than 30 countries on six continents to ensure a healthy, prosperous planet.

Daisy, Apple’s New Recycling Robot

 
Apple’s newest disassembly robot, Daisy, is the most efficient way to reclaim more of the valuable materials stored in iPhone. Created through years of R&D, Daisy incorporates revolutionary technology based on Apple’s learnings from Liam, its first disassembly robot launched in 2016. Daisy is made from some of Liam’s parts and is capable of disassembling nine versions of iPhone and sorting their high-quality components for recycling. Daisy can take apart up to 200 iPhone devices per hour, removing and sorting components, so that Apple can recover materials that traditional recyclers can’t — and at a higher quality.

Apple’s Commitment to the Environment

As part of its continued commitment to supporting a healthy planet through innovation, Apple will today also release its annual Environment Report, detailing the company’s environmental progress in three priority areas:

• Reducing Apple’s carbon footprint by using renewable energy sources and driving energy efficiency in its products and facilities.
• Conserving precious resources.
• Pioneering the use of safer materials in its products and processes.

Last week, Apple announced its global facilities are now powered with 100 percent clean energy. This achievement includes retail stores, offices, data centers and co-located facilities in 43 countries — including China, India, the United Kingdom and the United States. The company also announced nine additional manufacturing partners committed to powering all of their Apple production with 100 percent clean energy, bringing the total number of supplier commitments to 23.

On Saturday, Apple Watch users will receive a notification about the Earth Day Challenge, an activity encouraging them to get outside, enjoy the planet and complete a workout of at least 30 minutes. If they do so on Earth Day, they’ll receive a special achievement and unique stickers in iMessage. Starting tomorrow, Apple stores around the world will feature logos with green leaves or window decals in honor of Earth Day.

Source: Apple Inc.

MacDailyNews Take: Environmentally conscious smartphone users have one very clear choice: Apple Inc.’s iPhone.

Buying an Android knockoff likely means contributing electronic waste and damaging the environment.

SEE ALSO:
Apple debuts ‘Siri and Liam’ television commercial for Earth Day – April 22, 2016
Apple unveils Liam recycling robot that takes apart iPhones – March 21, 2016