[t-writescode]

Process should be improved at those companies and/or the recycling firms should refuse Apple products that are still activation locked. It will slow down process; but, it is an appropriate route.

As for dead people, a death certificate + 40 days (or a longer waiting period) should be sufficient, imo.

[nicolas_17]

For dead people there's this whole system: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212360 + https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208510