In recent times, Apple has placed an increasing focus on the recyclability of its products. Now, the company is suing a company that was hired to scrap its devices after it allegedly resold about 100,000 iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches.
The Cupertino based giant has plans on bringing its entire recycling process in house, however, it continues to rely on other parties for now. Geep Canada is the recycler the company had hired to scrap its products that Apple has now filed a lawsuit against. According to an AppleInsider report, Geep has not denied these allegations, although, it has filed a counter suit against the iPhone maker, citing that the 100,000 devices were resold by three “rogue” employees without their knowledge.
Apple responded to the matter by pointing out that the three employees in question are in fact senior management in the firm. While the case only got publicly revealed recently, the lawsuit was originally filed back in January 2020. The company first discovered these thefts at the end of 2017 or the start of 2018. After this, it stopped its partnership with Geep altogether. In September 2019, Geep Canada merged with another firm to form Quantum Lifecycle Partners.
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The lawsuit states that Apple shipped 531,966 iPhones to Geep Canada for recycling between January 2015 and December 2017, alongside 5,673 iPads, and 19,277 Apple Watches. However, during an audit, it was reportedly discovered that some of its devices were being stored away from those of other firms. These devices were stored away from security cameras’ vision and had the serial number of devices that were shipped to Geep. Approximately 18 percent of 103,845 of these devices were found to be active on carrier networks.
The company is now seeking full recovery of profits made from the resale of these devices, along with $31 million Canadian (roughly $22.7 million US). Quantum Lifecycle Partners stated that “the lawsuit is between Geep and Apple and we have no knowledge regarding the details.” The filing also stated that, “At least 11,766 pounds of Apple devices left Geep’s premises without being destroyed – a fact that GEEP itself confirmed.” At the moment, Geep is currently looking for the three employees to pay damages and costs.
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