Samsung is bringing back Galaxy Note 7 – recycled

Samsung has released a statement that it plans to recycle and process its infamous Galaxy Note 7 in an “environmentally-friendly manner”.

According to the world’s smartphone producer, the process will take place in three phases including save salvageable components such as camera modules and semiconductors, extract metal parts with the help of “eco-friendly” third-party companies, and sell the refurbished devices “were applicable”.

“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 will be determined accordingly,” Samsung said in the statement.

Samsung was forced to issue a recall of an estimated four million of Galaxy Note 7 after reports emerged that the batteries could overheat and burst into flames.

Following the recall, authorities in different countries including the US and Nigeria’s NACA banned the phones from use on planes and even being placed in checked luggage.

Later, studies from Samsung and independent researchers noted that the problem with the phone may have originated from the batteries. Although some analysts have speculated that the company will refurbished the Note 7’s given that other parts of the phone had no issue, Samsung however said it will dispose of Note 7 as it had not plans to repair or refurbish them.

Analysts are saying that a protest staged by Greenpeace, a non-governmental environmental organisation at Samsung’s Mobile World Congress in February could have forced them to consider the recycling option.

The NGO has since welcomed the announcement from Samsung noting that it came in response to months of campaigning and protests addressing the environmental impact of the Note 7 recall.

“People around the world signed petitions, emailed Samsung’s CEO, demonstrated in cities around the world, and finally Samsung has listened,” said Jude Lee, Greenpeace East Asia.

Samsung said it is pledging to work with local authorities and carriers to sell it as a refurbished device. The new device is likely to come with a smaller battery to prevent it from overheating or bursting into flames.

Available markets will be determined as the company work with local regulators to approve the sale of the devices.

Samsung told The Verge that the objective of introducing refurbished devices is solely to reduce and minimize any environmental impact. The company also indicated that it might change the name of the refurbished devices.

“The product details including the name, technical specification and price range will be announced when the device is available. Samsung will not be offering refurbished Galaxy Note 7 for rent or sale in the US,” Samsung said.