[input_sh]

As far as Apple is concerned, I believe that AirPods are a true tragedy[0].

If you try to recycle them, someone will have to separate the glued-in lithium-ion battery from the plastic.

If you try to throw them away, you might start a fire in a garbage compactor facility.

If they end up in a landfill, they'll be in earth's crust for thousands of years.

That's before getting into how fast they become obsolete on their own because the battery loses charge (~18 months) and how easy it is to lose them.

[0] Excellent article, in which CEO of iFixit was asked for a comment and simply called them "evil": https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/neaz3d/airpods-are-a-trag...

[stinos]

It's sad when technological advances go hand in hand with disadvantages for, basically, the planet. But it's especially so when it's (to some extent) avaoidable and definitely so when it gets executed by companies who have plenty of resources to not do it, yet don't care at all, and keep on producing things like this under the (mis)nomer of 'building a better future'. Despite knowing well enough what the effects are, and because they know it will be bought by the masses anyway.

Don't get me wrong: I'm well aware the problem is not exactly easy to solve, but if your answer is to just make it worse with every product release while you could at least attempt to make it better instead, then perhaps this CEO is indeed using the correct term for your (and others') behaviour.

[dannyw]

It's also totally possible to build the Airpods in a way that is battery replaceable: https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Samsung+Galaxy+Buds+Teardown...