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Don’t throw away your old AirPods — do this instead
Apple advises against throwing old AirPods in the bin because they contain lithium-ion batteries. If the main issue is battery life, replacing them through Apple may cost less than buying a new pair, allowing the earbuds to be kept as backups or passed on to someone else.
Apple does not open AirPods to replace their batteries; it recycles the old buds and supplies replacements for a fee. Battery service costs $49 per earbud for most models and $79 for AirPods Max, while AppleCare may cover batteries below 80 per cent capacity. Other options include selling or giving away working AirPods, using them for exercise or as spares, and sending unusable ones to Apple for free recycling.
In short
- Battery service can cost less than buying new AirPods.
- Keep working earbuds as spares or pass them on.
- Apple recycles unwanted AirPods for free.
Explained simply
AirPods are Apple’s wireless earphones, with small lithium-ion batteries in each bud. Like other battery-powered electronics, they should not go in household rubbish, where they can create problems during waste handling.
Apple offers a paid battery service, but it replaces the earbuds rather than opening them to fit new batteries. The cost depends on the model, and AppleCare may cover service if battery capacity has fallen below a set level.
Working AirPods can also be passed on or kept as spares, for example for exercise. Apple accepts unusable pairs for recycling at no charge.