If your AirPods have lost some battery life or you have replaced them with a newer pair, they may still have value. Rather than throwing them away, you can consider a battery service, pass them on, sell them or keep them as a spare set.
Apple does not open AirPods to replace their batteries. Instead, it recycles the old earbuds and supplies replacements for a fee. The article lists battery service at $49 per earbud for most AirPods and $79 for AirPods Max. With AppleCare, a battery replacement may be free if capacity has fallen below 80 percent; battery failures under warranty are also covered for free.
Independent repair shops may be able to replace batteries, but the process involves cutting open and resealing the earbuds. The article cautions that this can affect their appearance and remove their resistance to water and sweat.
Apple also sells replacements for lost earbuds and charging cases, with prices varying by model. For AirPods Pro, the article gives prices of $89 for an earbud and $99 for a case. Standard AirPods replacements are listed at $69 for an earbud and $59 to $79 for a case. Whether repairing or replacing a missing part makes sense depends on the model and the cost of a new pair.
AirPods that still hold a charge can be sold through buyback services or directly to another person. They can also be given to a friend or family member; before passing them on, clean them and remove them from your Apple account. Keeping them as backup earbuds is another option, including for workouts, travel or listening at night.
For AirPods that are no longer usable, Apple offers free recycling. In some regions, the company provides a prepaid shipping label, so they do not have to be taken to an Apple Store.
Sources: Engadget.