Photo by Firmbee.com on Pexels
## What Is the AirPods Pro 2 Worth Now?
The current trade-in value for an AirPods Pro 2 ranges from $35 to $100, depending on its condition and location. When new, it cost $249, so you'll get back a fraction of that original price now. For the best value, aim for "like new" condition, which could fetch up to 70% of the retail price. Devices rated as "good" might return around 60%, while those in "fair" shape would likely recoup between 40-50%. If your AirPods Pro 2 is broken but still has some battery life or functionality, you could still get up to $35.
## How to Wipe Data Before Recycling the AirPods Pro 2
To wipe data from your AirPods Pro 2 before recycling or trading them in, follow these steps:
1. Unpair the AirPods Pro 2 from all connected devices via Bluetooth settings.
2. Reset them to factory defaults by long-pressing a button on the case (refer to Apple's instructions for specific models).
3. Remove your account information from the companion app or website if applicable.
4. Clean the earbuds and case thoroughly before handing them over.
Wiping data is important because it prevents any personal information from being compromised. Make sure you back up all your data before resetting, as this process erases everything stored on the AirPods Pro 2.
## Where to Recycle or Trade In the AirPods Pro 2
You have several options for recycling or trading in your AirPods Pro 2:
- **Apple**: Use Apple's official trade-in programme if they offer one. You'll likely get store credit, which can be used towards a new purchase.
- **Third-party services**: Websites like [Decluttr](https://ecyclingcentral.com/recyclers/decluttr) and Gazelle provide cash offers for your devices. These platforms often have competitive rates based on the condition of your AirPods Pro 2.
- **Retailers**: Stores such as Best Buy in the US or Currys in the UK may offer recycling programmes that give you a discount towards new products or store credit. In Australia, JB Hi-Fi has similar schemes.
- **Certified [electronic waste](https://ecyclingcentral.com/glossary/[electronic waste](https://ecyclingcentral.com/glossary/e-waste)) recyclers**: For devices with no trade-in value, certified recyclers like e-Cycle Solutions or TerraCycle can safely dispose of your AirPods Pro 2.
## What Materials Are Recovered from the AirPods Pro 2?
The main materials recovered from the AirPods Pro 2 include lithium, copper, tin, and plastic. Each material has its own recycling value:
- **Lithium**: Used in new batteries for electronic devices.
- **Copper**: Often used in wiring and electrical components.
- **Tin**: Can be recycled into other electronics or soldering materials.
- **Plastic**: Recycled into various products, including packaging and construction materials.
The AirPods Pro 2 weighs about 51 grams. While the weight is small, recycling these materials helps reduce mining waste and pollution.
## Environmental Impact of Recycling vs Landfill
Recycling your old electronics significantly reduces environmental impact compared to sending them to a landfill. For example, mining one tonne of gold from ore produces up to 18,000 tonnes of waste. In contrast, recovering precious metals like gold and silver from circuit boards is about 80 times more efficient. A single smartphone contains around $1-2 worth of recoverable precious metals.
Lithium batteries in landfills can cause fires and leach toxic metals into groundwater, making recycling the better choice for both environmental health and resource conservation.
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## AirPods Pro 2: complete recycling + trade-in guide (2026-05-20)
### Trade-in vs recycle decision
Use this matrix to decide:
| Device condition | Best route | Typical net value |
|---|---|---|
| Working, 0-2 years old | Manufacturer trade-in or carrier upgrade | 35-65% of MSRP |
| Working, screen damaged but functional | eBay / Swappa / Music Magpie | 20-45% of MSRP |
| Working, 2-4 years old | Music Magpie / BackMarket buyback | 15-25% of MSRP |
| Working, 4-6 years old | Specialist refurbisher | 5-15% of MSRP |
| 6+ years old OR not working | Certified recycler (free) | $0 but avoided landfill fines |
Compare 7 buyback prices for AirPods Pro 2 in 30 seconds via our [Trade-In Best Price Finder](/tools/trade-in-best-price-finder).
### Data sanitisation steps
1. **Sign out of all cloud services** - Apple ID, Google account, Microsoft account, Samsung account. For Apple devices, removing iCloud lock is mandatory or the next owner can't activate.
2. **[Factory reset](https://ecyclingcentral.com/guides/how-to-factory-reset-any-device-before-trading-in) via Settings menu**:
- iOS: Settings → General → Transfer or Reset → Erase All Content
- Android: Settings → System → Reset → Factory data reset
- Windows: Settings → System → Recovery → Reset this PC → Remove everything
- macOS: Apple menu → System Settings → General → Transfer or Reset
3. **Verify the reset completed** - powered-on device should land on setup-from-scratch screen.
4. **For sensitive data**: factory reset alone is insufficient for SSDs (drive may retain recoverable data). Use a certified [ITAD](https://ecyclingcentral.com/guides/it-asset-disposition-itad-explained) provider with [NIST 800-88 guidelines](https://ecyclingcentral.com/guides/nist-800-88-data-sanitisation-standards) Purge. See [Hard Drive Destruction Cost Calculator](/tools/hard-drive-destruction-cost-calculator).
### Recoverable materials
Smartphones + tablets like AirPods Pro 2 contain (per Apple environmental reports + iFixit teardowns):
- **Aluminium frame**: 1-3% mass recovered at certified processors
- **Copper wiring**: 60-80% recovery rate
- **Gold + silver in connectors**: 35-65% recovery
- **Lithium-ion battery**: must be separated stream (fire risk in mixed loads)
- **Rare earth magnets** in speakers + haptics: limited recovery economically
Total recoverable material value per smartphone-class device: $1.50-$4.20 at current commodity prices. Look up live value via our [Scrap Value Calculator](/tools/scrap-value-calculator).
### Manufacturer programs available
Most major device brands offer free recycling for their own devices:
- **[Apple Trade In](https://ecyclingcentral.com/recyclers/apple-trade-in-and-recycling)** - free shipping, in-store credit or gift card payout
- **Samsung Recycle Direct** - free mail-in, gift card payout
- **Google Pixel Trade-In** - free mail-in, instant credit
- **Microsoft Trade-In** - via authorised partners, gift card payout
- **Dell Reconnect** (US) - free in-store via Goodwill partnership
- **HP Planet Partners** - free mail-in label
For full verified list per device brand: [Manufacturer Take-Back Finder](/tools/manufacturer-takeback-finder).
### Compliance + penalties
Personal data on a disposed device that isn't properly sanitised exposes the original owner to GDPR / state privacy law liability:
- **UK GDPR + EU GDPR Art 32**: appropriate technical + organisational measures - penalties up to £17.5M / €20M or 4% global turnover
- **US state laws** (CCPA, NY SHIELD Act, CO CDPA): per-incident penalties $2,500-$7,500
- **HIPAA** (US healthcare): per-incident penalties $137-$68,928 + per-record $137-$2,134
For any data-bearing device, request a Certificate of Destruction or use a free template via [GDPR Data Erasure Certificate Generator](/tools/gdpr-erasure-certificate-generator).
### Frequently asked questions
**Can I sell AirPods Pro 2 if it's still on the carrier blocklist?**
No - blocked devices have negligible resale value and reputable buyback services reject them. Contact the original carrier to remove the block first (verify with original purchase records). If blocked due to non-payment, settle the account before listing.
**What about devices with broken screens but working internals?**
Refurbishers like Music Magpie + BackMarket pay 40-60% of working-condition value for broken-screen devices. Worth listing - the screen swap costs them $30-$80 wholesale.
**Should I remove the battery before recycling?**
No - certified recyclers want intact devices. Manual battery removal risks puncture + lithium-ion fire. Loose batteries also need separate hazmat shipping stream.
### Related tools + guides
- [Trade-In Best Price Finder](/tools/trade-in-best-price-finder) - compare 7 buyback services
- [Manufacturer Take-Back Finder](/tools/manufacturer-takeback-finder) - direct-to-brand programmes
- [Scrap Value Calculator](/tools/scrap-value-calculator) - live commodity-price recovery estimate
- [Hard Drive Destruction Cost Calculator](/tools/hard-drive-destruction-cost-calculator) - for data-sensitive devices
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*Device data verified against manufacturer environmental reports + iFixit repairability database + current commodity prices as of 2026-05-20. Operated by Defining Style Limited (UK Companies House 10572391, ICO Registration ZA711914).*