As one of the world’s most eco-conscious companies, Apple couldn’t have missed the opportunity to celebrate Earth’s Day back in 2014. It’s no wonder, then, for most followers of the brand, that company representatives announced the launch of the Apple Reuse and Recycle for iPads campaign on that very day. The program, which aims to promote the responsible recycling of used electronic devices (while also encouraging the purchase of current generation devices) now officially includes Apple’s celebrated, albeit pricey, tablet.
How Does the Apple Reuse and Recycle for iPads work?
Basically, you can take your iPad to any Apple Retail Store that’s part of the Reuse & Recycling program. The Apple Reuse & Recycling for iPads campaign will see owners of the device get credit for the tablets they bring in. Before this piece of news came in, Apple customers could only trade their used iPhones for in-store credit and also had no opportunity to use said credit across products. Now, however, you can opt to employ the credit you receive for recycling your iPhone, in order to buy an iPad – and vice versa.
What Devices Are Eligible?
In case you were wondering, no, not all devices are eligible within the program. In order to join the Apple Reuse and Recycle for iPads campaign, your tablet needs to meet a list of criteria. There’s a similar list, which includes 22 criteria, for iPhones. Non-eligible devices include those where you replaced or added parts, which do not belong to Apple, as well as those which you jailbroke irreversibly.
Also, if you cannot disable Find My iPhone on your device, then it’s not eligible for recycling and credit. Do you think these regulations are strict? Then you should know that they are going to scrutinize iPads even more drastically. Whereas Apple will take in an iPhone whose screen you broke or cracked, not the same applies to iPads.
It’s also important to bear in mind that you cannot enter current generation devices into Apple’s Reuse & Recycling program – the iPad Air, iPad Mini with Retina display and iPhone 5C/5s are not eligible. Nor can you provide products that have been retired, in exchange for in-store credit, such as the iPhone 1, the iPhone 3G, or the iPad 1. It’s important to note that Apple has announced it now “responsibly recycles all its devices”. You can bring in any smartphone or tablet produced by Apple, no matter what condition it’s in, or how old it is, but bear in mind that only some are eligible for in-store credit via the program.
Where Do I Need to Go?
Luckily, on the Apple website, you can use the store locator to find the closest location to you. You introduce or city or state zip code and then choose one of the options that appear. Alternatively, you can check out the complete store list.
How Much Credit Can You Receive via Apple Reuse & Recycling for iPads?
There’s no one-size fits all answer to this question. The company appraises each device individually, according to the above-mentioned list of criteria. This checklist is not public as of the date we wrote this article. So, you can find out the worth of your old iPad if you take it to an Apple Retail Store. There, an Apple specialist will assess your device. They will also provide you with a precise trade-in value, with the aid of an EasyPay POS device. As the official website mentions:
$285 trade-in refers to an iPad in excellent condition. Trade-in values will vary based on the condition, year, and configuration of your trade-in device. Not all devices are eligible for credit; to see if your device is eligible and to get an estimate, please visit Apple’s trade-in partner.
There’s another key issue which also relates to how much credit you get. This concerns those who choose to trade in an iPhone, as well as an iPad. In such scenarios, customers can use the combined trade-in value of the two devices, in order to make a single purchase. However, you cannot bring in two of the same device, i.e. two iPhones or two iPads and use them for the same purchase within the Reuse & Recycling program.
Summing Up
This is a great initiative Apple had, and many ecology lovers appreciate it. At the same time, they also have other programs that include recycling batteries or older computers.
Images source: depositphotos.com
Updated March 2018.