Samsung plans to refurbish or recycle Galaxy Note7 devices

Environmental organization Greenpeace has been leaning heavily on Samsung when it comes to its plans for the recalled Galaxy Note7 devices. Now the company has announced what it plans to do with the device, which they’ve emphasized in “three principles.” One is they might refurbish the phones or turn them into rental phones where it can be applicable. Second is they will salvage components that can be reused. And third, processes like metals extraction will supposedly be “performed using environmentally-friendly methods.”

When it comes to the refurbished or rental option, Samsung says this is “dependent upon consultations with regulatory authorities and carriers as well as due consideration of local demand.” They will announce markets and release dates at a later time. They will work with companies who specialize in removing semiconductors and camera modules and use these for sample production. And when it comes to the component recycling, Samsung says it’ll extract the precious metals (i.e. copper, nickel, gold, and silver) with the help of eco-friendly companies who also specialize in these processes.

UPDATE:

Samsung Canada has released a statement regarding the possibility of the Note7 coming back to the country:

Samsung Electronics Canada will not be offering refurbished Galaxy Note7 devices for rent or sale in Canada.

Samsung will completely disable charging capabilities of the Galaxy Note7

Samsung is making it extra hard for those still holding onto their Galaxy Note7 devices. The South Korean company plans to disable charging on the phablet to push those who still have the devices with them to return the product to the brand. Samsung initially limited the charging capability of the Note7 below capacity and even cut off mobile network access. If you’re still holding on to the device already deemed a fire hazard, we highly recommend you give up the device for your own safety.

Source: XDA Developers

Samsung Canada to cut off network access to Note7 after December 15

Samsung Canada previously announced that around 90 percent of 39,000 Note7 units sold in the country have already been returned. And to those still holding on to their units, the time you’ll be able to use your devices are almost over. Samsung plans to cut network access to unreturned Note7 devices by December 15. These remaining 4,000 units will lose access to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth by December 12 and then cellular capability by December 15. There will also be an update that will limit battery charge on the device. It isn’t clear though up to what percentage that will be. The one thing that will work after the update is the ability for the phone to call 911 for safety reasons.

The South Korean company is still imploring those who still have their units to return them. Samsung even wants to remind these users that they are legally prohibited from selling or giving away the device since it’s a recalled product.

Source: Android Central

Samsung will reportedly dispose of returned Note7 phones

What's going to happen to the 2.5 million Samsung Galaxy Note7 devices that are enroute to Samsung after a global recall resulting in the company taking them off the market? A Samsung spokesperson told Motherboard that, "the phones will not be repaired, refurbished, or resold ever again: We have a process in place to safely dispose of the phones."

Samsung hasn't specified how it is going to dispose of the 2.5 million devices, all of which contain chemicals (the offending batteries included) rare minerals and various toxic elements. There's a serious question about the impact of such massive disposal and how it could impact the environment. The implications of disposing so many smartphones shortly after they were manufactured just adds to the bad news related to the Note7 recall.

Source: Motherboard