Samsung commits to recycling Galaxy Note 7, may sell refurbished units

Samsung has gone through a lot when it comes to the Galaxy Note 7. The device launched, had a recall, relaunched, had another recall and now, environmental groups are putting additional pressure on Samsung to ensure that all of those handsets don't just end up in a landfill somewhere. However, as a result of that, Samsung may end up selling the Galaxy Note 7 once again as a refurbished device.

Environmental groups including Greenpeace have been protesting Samsung for a while now, calling for the company to recycle and reuse the millions of Galaxy Note 7 devices it recalled. Samsung has since responded and now has a plan in place.

In an update sent out today, Samsung said that is has “established three principles to ensure that Galaxy Note 7 devices are recycled and processed in an environmentally-friendly manner. Second, salvageable components shall be detached for reuse. Third, processes such as metals extraction shall be performed using environmentally friendly methods”.

As for the possibility of selling refurbished Galaxy Note 7s, the company said that it is looking into the possibility. However, it will all be dependant on consultations with regulatory authorities, carriers and demand in each country.

Aside from all of that, Samsung will be joining the EU's R&D efforts to develop new eco-friendly processing methods, an additional move that should help appease environmental activists.

KitGuru Says: While there is still some uncertainty over the availability of refurbished Galaxy Note 7s, it sounds like Samsung is looking in to the idea at the moment. However, I would expect a good chunk of Galaxy Note 7s to be taken apart for recycling purposes. 

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