Apple iPhone 17e Recycler Guide

About this guide

This guide provides essential information for electronics recycling professionals to safely disassemble the iPhone 17e. The primary objective is to maximize resource recovery from end-of-use electronics while ensuring compliance with all applicable environmental, health, and safety regulations. Procedures described herein are intended exclusively for trained professionals.

Safety considerations

Recyclers must evaluate their workspace to meet ergonomic standards and ensure employee protection. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including hand, eye, and foot protection, as well as masks, is required. Special care must be taken with broken OLED displays, which should be stored in appropriate containers to manage associated hazards.

Battery safety

The device contains a lithium-ion polymer battery. To ensure safety during removal and disposal:

• Discharge the battery to below 25 percent before disassembly to reduce the risk of thermal runaway.
• Remove conductive items like jewelry or watches.
• Do not puncture, strike, crush, or bend the battery.
• Avoid exposure to excessive heat or sunlight.
• Use only non-conductive, non-sharp tools.
• Dispose of batteries in accordance with local environmental laws.

Handling a thermal runaway

If a battery begins to smoke, emit sparks, puff out, or make hissing sounds, act immediately. Do not use water or standard fire extinguishers. Smother the device with clean, dry sand. Leave the area if irritation occurs and wait 30 minutes before attempting to handle the device with heat-resistant gloves.

Disassembly instructions

The disassembly process requires a flat-blade screwdriver, a miniature plastic pry bar, and a nail-pulling screwdriver. Follow these steps:

• Remove the USB-C charge cable.
• Separate the back glass from the enclosure using a flat-blade screwdriver.
• Remove the back glass manually.
• Extract the lithium-ion battery using the plastic pry bar.
• Pry off the main logic board with the nail-pulling screwdriver.
• Remove the OLED display by inserting a flat-blade screwdriver into the USB-C connector and prying downward.

All outputs from the disassembly process must be managed and disposed of according to relevant waste management directives.