Frequently asked questions about the Apple Recycling Program.

What is the Apple Recycling Program?

The Apple Recycling Program is part of Apple’s commitment to minimizing the impact our products have on the environment. It offers you a way to dispose of your electronic equipment responsibly.

What’s the difference between “reuse” and “recycling”?

Equipment may qualify for reuse if it has monetary value and can be resold in the secondary electronics market. Equipment qualifies for recycling if it does not have monetary value; it will be dismantled so that materials such as metals, plastics, and glass can be collected for use in the manufacturing of new products, reducing the need to mine raw materials.

Why should I use the Apple Recycling Program?

By participating in the Apple Recycling Program you are helping the environment by extending the useful life of products that have value in the secondary electronics market. You are also ensuring that products that have reached the end of their useful life are recycled in an environmentally responsible manner in North America.

As an added benefit, if your product qualifies for reuse — meaning it has monetary value — you’ll receive an Apple Gift Card equivalent to its fair market value as determined by fulfillment partners. You can use the gift card for eligible purchases at any U.S. Apple Retail Store or the U.S. Apple Online Store. If your product does not have monetary value, we’ll recycle it at no cost to you.

For more information about using an Apple Gift Card, please see our Apple Retail Store Purchase Policies.

Which products qualify for the Apple Recycling Program?

Any iPad, iPhone, Mac, or PC — desktop or notebook — may qualify for reuse or free recycling.

Who can participate in the program?

Any U.S. individual or U.S. Apple Online Store small business customer can participate in the program.

Is a purchase necessary to participate in the program?

No.

Does Apple administer the program?

No. Apple contracts with external partners to administer and manage the Apple Recycling Program. Apple also contracts with Sims Recycling Solutions for responsible recycling of unwanted equipment.

How do I get started?

Visit the Apple Recycling Program website to begin the process of determining the value, if any, of your used equipment. 

How is the value of my equipment determined?

The value depends on a variety of factors, including the demand for your specific item in the secondary electronics market and its condition. When you visit the Apple Recycling Program website, you’ll answer a few simple questions about your computer and describe its overall condition as excellent, good, fair, or poor. Based on the information you provide, our partners determine the estimated fair market value of your computer and a quote is displayed instantly.

Can my quoted value change?

You can either accept the final value or have your product returned to you at no cost. You will be contacted if the final value differs from the initial quoted value.

How will I be paid for my equipment?

You will receive an Apple Gift Card equal to the final value within three weeks after your equipment is received.

Does the quoted value ever expire?

Yes. Quotes are valid for 30 days. After a quote expires, you may request another quote.

What if I receive a zero-value quote?

We will recycle your equipment at no cost to you.

What should I do with my old equipment before I send it in?

We recommend that you perform a complete backup and data wipe (erasure) of all the information on your old computer. Apple and its partners assume no responsibility for loss or confidentiality of personal data on equipment. While in transit, any files or data left on your system may be accessible to others if data is not erased.

What happens to my equipment after I send it in?

Your equipment will be tested to determine if it qualifies for reuse. Qualifying equipment, tested in working condition, will be sold in the secondary electronics market as "used." Equipment that does not qualify for reuse will be recycled by an Apple-contracted recycling supplier in an environmentally responsible manner.

What happens to my personal data?

The data erasure process includes complete data removal. We recommend that you perform a complete backup and data wipe (erasure) of all the information on your old computer. Apple and its partners have no responsibility for loss or confidentiality of customer data on reused or recycled equipment.

How do I ship my product?

For equipment with a quoted value, a pre-paid shipping label and packaging materials will be sent to you at no cost when you accept the quote. Apple and its partners are not responsible for damage to your equipment during shipping.

For equipment with no monetary value, Apple contracts with Sims Recycling Solutions to process the recycling of your equipment. Call 800-966-4135 to receive your prepaid shipping label. Then pack your equipment securely for shipment to Sims Recycling Solutions using packaging materials that you provide.

For more information about Sims Recycling Solutions, visit http://oem.srsapp.com/ApplePoweredBysims/

Is there a weight limit on shipments?

Yes. There is a maximum per-box weight limit of 70 pounds.