Apple’s Recycling Push Reshapes Gadgets

Apple expanded its Cupertino-based recycling and refurbishment programs this month, adding more in-store recycling options and boosting material recovery at local sites. (apple.com) On April 16, 2026 Apple said a record 30 percent of the material across all products shipped in 2025 came from recycled content. (apple.com) The company said it now uses 100 percent recycled cobalt in Apple‑designed batteries and 100 percent recycled rare earth elements in magnets. (apple.com) Apple marked the rollout with Earth Day offers for customers who bring devices to participating Apple Store locations, and local reporting said Bay Area stores expanded drop‑off and refurbishment services. (apple.com) The moves plug directly into Apple 2030, the company’s plan to reach carbon neutrality across its footprint by 2030 and to scale recycled and renewable materials in products. (apple.com) Analysts quoted by local reporting say sourcing more recovered material could lower Apple’s long‑term production costs and reflects a broader environmental strategy shift at Cupertino. (patch.com) Industry research and case studies note circular sourcing can reduce emissions and diversify supply chains, but scaling recycled inputs faces limits from supply availability and regulations, Apple’s report says. (mckinsey.com) Apple highlighted product examples: the MacBook Neo launched with about 60 percent recycled content overall, the company wrote in its April report. (apple.com) “At Apple, we believe deeply in leaving the world better than we found it,” CEO Tim Cook said as the company pledged to continue expanding recycling and material recovery efforts. (apple.com)