Working Macbooks Trashed Over Activation Lock

Repair professionals say Apple's security feature is preventing refurbishment and reuse of functional devices.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 9:15am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Fully functional Apple MacBooks, some as new as three years old, are being scrapped for parts and sent to landfills because of Apple's activation lock feature that binds the device to an Apple user's account. This security feature, designed to protect stolen Macbooks, makes it impossible for anyone but the account owner to access the machine, even after its data has been wiped. Repair professionals say this is a plague on the secondhand market, as recyclers and refurbishers have few options but to salvage whatever parts they can from the locked Macbooks and then discard the rest.

Why it matters

The activation locks are preventing the refurbishment and reuse of working devices, which goes against the principles of a circular economy and sustainability. Recycling and scrapping devices is a worse outcome than refurbishing and redonating them, as it extends their useful life and keeps toxic chemicals out of landfills. This issue highlights the tension between security features and the right to repair.

The details

John Bumstead, a repair professional, has called attention to the growing stacks of perfectly functional M1 MacBooks in his repair shop that can't be restored and re-sold (or donated) because of the activation lock feature. Bumstead notes that 'recycling' (aka scrapping) devices is a far worse outcome than refurbishing and re-using them, which can extend their useful life and keeping toxic chemicals out of landfills. He says security doesn't need to be an impediment to repairability and re-usability, and Apple should set up systems to support refurbishers in unlocking used devices so they can be resold or donated.

  • The activation lock feature was first introduced by Apple in 2018 and is now standard on their devices.

The players

John Bumstead

A repair professional who has called attention to the growing stacks of perfectly functional M1 MacBooks in his repair shop that can't be restored and re-sold (or donated) because of the activation lock feature.

Apple

The technology company that introduced the activation lock feature on its devices in 2018 as a security measure to protect against theft, but which has had the unintended consequence of preventing refurbishment and reuse of functional devices.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for a balanced approach to security features that does not come at the expense of repairability and reuse of functional devices. Lawmakers and technology companies should work together to find solutions that protect user data while also enabling a more sustainable circular economy.