Samsung announces plans to sell refurbished Galaxy Note 7s after explosion issues

Samsung has announced plans to start selling refurbished Galaxy Note 7 handsets.

There has been a lot of speculation over what the company plans to do with the millions of Note 7s it recalled last year

"Samsung Electronics has established three principles to ensure that Galaxy Note 7 devices are recycled and processed in an environmentally-friendly manner," the company has just announced.

"First, devices shall be considered to be used as refurbished phones or rental phones where applicable."

It will also salvage reusable components, such as semiconductors and camera modules, and perform "processes such as metals extraction" for materials including copper, nickel, gold and silver, using "environmentally friendly methods."

"Regarding the Galaxy Note 7 devices as refurbished phones or rental phones, applicability is dependent upon consultations with regulatory authorities and carriers as well as due consideration of local demand," added Samsung.

"The markets and release dates will be determined accordingly."

Greenpeace protesters crashed Samsung's main MWC press conference last month, urging the firm to recycle the Note 7.

"People around the world signed petitions, emailed Samsung’s CEO, demonstrated in cities around the world, and finally Samsung has listened," said Jude Lee, the global senior campaigner at Greenpeace East Asia.

"This is a major win for everyone that took action, and a step towards shifting the way we produce and dispose of electronics."

However, the environmental organisation has also called on the firm to take measures to ensure it's never stuck in such a quandary again.

"While we welcome this news, Samsung must share as soon as possible more detailed timelines on when it will implement its promises, as well as how it intends to change its production system to make sure this never happens again,” added Mr Lee.

"The average smartphone in the US is used for about two years, adding to growing piles of e-waste around the world. This is simply not sustainable. Samsung and other IT companies such as Apple should manufacture phones that are easy to repair, refurbish, and upgrade."