The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 debacle of 2016 hardly needs an introduction. The question since the recall has always been what Samsung would do with all of these recalled devices — highlighted by the protests that we witnessed at MWC 2017. Today they have released their plans for the recalled Galaxy Note 7 phones.
As we heard rumoured a while back Samsung are looking to sell some of the recalled Galaxy Note 7s as a refurbished device in some countries. They are also considering using the phone as a rental device “where applicable”. Samsung are also looking to recycle many of the returned phones and have outlined the details for how they plan to do that.
At this stage the countries where sales of the Galaxy Note 7 will occur is unknown but we have previously heard India as one rumour and that the phone would be set to not charge all to way to prevent any battery issues. The phone is more likely to be sold in emerging markets where the regulations are often less strict and the “consultations with regulatory authorities and carriers as well as due consideration of local demand” would more likely result in a favourable outcome for Samsung.
When it comes to the recycling Samsung will be removing any components from the phones that can be reused by other companies or in testing procedures. Other components such as copper, nickel, gold, and silver will be extracted by companies that specialise in this.
Samsung’s statement can be seen below and it is great to see Samsung trying to do the right thing here. That would be a LOT of Galaxy Note 7s and a LOT of landfill.
Samsung to Set the Principles to Recycle of Returned Galaxy Note7 Devices in an Environmentally Friendly Way
Samsung Electronics has established three principles to ensure that Galaxy Note 7 devices are recycled and processed in an environmentally-friendly manner.
First, devices shall be considered to be used as refurbished phones or rental phones where applicable.
Second, salvageable components shall be detached for reuse.
Third, processes such as metals extraction shall be performed using environmentally friendly methods.
Regarding the Galaxy Note 7 devices as refurbished phones or rental phones, applicability is dependent upon consultations with regulatory authorities and carriers as well as due consideration of local demand. The markets and release dates will be determined accordingly.
For remaining Galaxy Note 7 devices, components such as semiconductors and camera modules shall be detached by companies specializing in such services and used for test sample production purposes.
Finally, for left over component recycling, Samsung shall first extract precious metals, such as copper, nickel, gold and silver by utilizing eco-friendly companies specializing in such processes.
As part of our ongoing commitment to recycling, Samsung also plans to join the EU’s R&D and test efforts to develop new eco-friendly processing methods.
We have reached out to Samsung Australia to determine if these phones will be sold here although we think it would be very unlikely. It is a pity as by all accounts (including our own review) the phone was a great device.
Would you consider a refurbished Galaxy Note 7 or has last year’s fiasco left you burned?
