Recycler Guide for iPhone SE (1st generation)

Important Information

This document provides guidance for electronics recyclers on how to disassemble the iPhone SE (1st generation) to maximize resource recovery. These procedures are intended to be performed only by trained electronics recycling professionals. The recycler is responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable environmental, health, and safety laws.

Identification

The model number can be found on the back of the iPhone SE. Supported model numbers include: A1662, A1723, and A1724.

Safety Considerations

Recyclers must evaluate all activities to ensure compliance with health and safety laws. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn during the entire process, including hand protection, eye protection, protective clothing, foot protection, and a mask.

Battery Safety

• Use heat-resistant gloves and safety glasses.
• Keep a sand dispenser (1.9–2.4 L) within arm's reach.
• Keep the battery at least 2 feet (0.6 m) from combustible materials.
• Do not puncture, strike, or crush the battery.
• Do not use sharp or conductive tools.

Handling a Thermal Runaway

If the battery begins to smoke, emit sparks, or puff out, or if you hear hissing/popping sounds:

• Do not use water or ABC/CO2 fire extinguishers.
• Smother the device immediately with plenty of clean, dry sand.
• Leave the room for 30 minutes if irritation occurs.
• Wait 30 minutes before touching the battery.

Recommended Tools

• Miniature plastic pry bar
• Miniature pry bar
• Nail-pulling screwdriver
• Screwdriver-handle pry bar
• Tweezers

Disassembly Instructions

Follow these steps to disassemble the device:

1. Remove the power adapter and charge cable.
2. Remove the display.
3. Remove the front camera and the receiver.
4. Pry off the Home button/Touch ID sensor.
5. Pry off the display cover.
6. Pry off the display films and the LED logic board.
7. Remove the lithium-ion polymer battery using tweezers and a pry bar.
8. Pry off the headphone jack.
9. Pry off the Lightning connector.
10. Pry off the speaker.
11. Pry off the main logic board.
12. Remove the SIM tray and separate the SIM card.
13. Pry off the rear camera.
14. Pry off the strobe.
15. Pry off the ribbon cables.
16. Pry off the microphone.
17. Pry off the vibration motor.

Material Categorization

All outputs from the disassembly process must be managed and disposed of in accordance with applicable waste laws, including the Waste Framework Directive. Materials are categorized into fractions such as Aluminum, Batteries, Ferrous metals, Glass, Logic Boards, Mixed Electronics, Mixed Plastics, and Rare Earth Magnets for appropriate downstream processing.