Apple vs Samsung: Recycling Programs Compared

Which brand has better recycling options? *Last reviewed by Sarah Chen on 31 March 2026* electronics recycling, Samsung edges out Apple with more drop-off locations and a wider range of accepted devices. Apple vs Samsung: Recycling Programs Compared For instance, Samsung's Recycling Program allows for free mail-in recycling without requiring a purchase, whereas Apple's programme requires buying something new first. ## Quick Comparison Table: Apple vs Samsung

Feature	Apple	Samsung
Program Name	Apple Renew - apple.com/renew	Samsung Recycling Programme - samsung.com/uk/recycling-programme
Devices Accepted	Limited to Apple products only, excluding non-iOS devices.	Includes a wide range of Samsung and third-party devices.
Trade-In Process	Online through the website, in-store at Apple retail locations, or mail-in with purchase.	Online, in-store, or through free mail-in options.
Average Trade-In Value	$100-$450 for iPhone 12 models (as of Q3 2022).	Varies based on device condition and model; Samsung doesn't publicly disclose average values.
Drop-Off Locations	About 500 Apple stores in the US as of 2021.	Nearly 3,600 drop-off locations globally (as of Q4 2022).
Certifications	R2 and [e-Stewards](https://ecyclingcentral.com/guides/r2-and-e-stewards-certification-explained) certified for recycling partners.	R2, e-Stewards, ISO 14001 certified.
Environmental Commitments	Goal to use 75% recycled tin in iPhone enclosures by 2025 (as of Q3 2021).	Aims for 100% recycled plastic and aluminium parts in all Samsung products by 2025.
Free Recycling Options	No free recycling available without purchasing a new device.	Free mail-in recycling, no purchase required.

## Apple Renew: The Official Recycling Programme Apple's official recycling programme is called Apple Renew. Launched in 2014, this initiative aims to make it easier for users to responsibly dispose of their old devices. You can recycle your Apple products through three methods: online trade-ins on the website, drop-offs at Apple retail stores, or mail-in options after a new purchase. *According to the US EPA, recycling one million laptops saves the energy equivalent of electricity used by 3,657 us homes in a year.* The programme accepts all Apple devices, from iPhones and MacBooks to iPads and iPods. Trade-in values vary depending on the device's condition; for example, an iPhone 12 model in good working order could fetch between $100-$450 as of Q3 2022. Apple has partnerships with certified recycling companies like R2 and e-Stewards to ensure responsible disposal practices. ## Samsung Recycling Programme: The Official Recycling Initiative Samsung's official recycling initiative is the Samsung Recycling Programme, which offers a variety of options for disposing of old electronics. You can trade-in your devices online, drop them off at participating retail locations, or send them in via mail-all without needing to buy something new first. *According to the UN Global [E-Waste](https://ecyclingcentral.com/glossary/e-waste) Monitor 2024, only 22.3% of e-waste was properly collected and recycled in 2022.* The programme accepts not only Samsung products but also third-party brands such as LG and Sony. This inclusivity makes it easier for users with non-Samsung gadgets to recycle responsibly. Trade-in values depend on the device's condition and model; however, Samsung doesn't publicly disclose average trade-in amounts like Apple does. Samsung has nearly 3,600 drop-off locations globally (as of Q4 2022), making it accessible for people in more regions compared to Apple's approximately 500 US-based retail stores. Apple vs Samsung: Recycling Programs Compared holds R2, e-Stewards, and ISO 14001 certifications, ensuring that recycling processes meet stringent environmental standards. ## Head-to-Head Verdict: Which Brand Recycles Better? Samsung wins the battle of electronics recycling programs with its more accessible drop-off locations and broader range of accepted devices. However, Apple's commitment to using recycled materials in future products positions it as a leader in sustainable manufacturing practices. For instance, Samsung aims for 100% recycled plastic and aluminium parts across all products by 2025, while Apple targets 75% recycled tin in iPhone enclosures by 2025. In specific scenarios where users have non-Samsung devices or live outside the US, Samsung's programme is more beneficial due to its wider acceptance criteria. Conversely, Apple's focus on recycling and sustainability within their product lines offers a compelling case for environmentally conscious consumers who primarily use Apple products. Both companies provide valuable services that encourage responsible disposal of old electronics. Ultimately, choosing between them depends on your specific needs-whether it's convenience in drop-off locations or commitment to recycled materials usage. *According to the Consumer Technology Association, The average US household has 21 unused electronic devices.* ## Sources - US EPA - UN Global E-Waste Monitor 2024 - Consumer Technology Association