Replacement iPhone 3G Adapters Start Arriving

About two weeks ago, Apple announced a recall of all iPhone 3G adapters shipped in North America, along with those shipped to Japan and Latin America. Despite the fact that Apple said replacement iPhone 3G adapters wouldn't start shipping until Oct. 10th --- or be available in stores until then --- they have already started to arrive.

I can confirm that I already received my replacement adapter (yep, I am too lazy --- or rather, with the cost of gasoline what it is, too cheap --- to drive to an Apple Store. Why bother when they will ship if for free?).

Apple must be channeling Amazon.com as they used a huge box for such a small (above) adapter. The ultracompact USB Power Adapter for the iPhone 3G is sold with every iPhone 3G. Once you get your replacement, you just slap the original one into the box and have DHL (the worst possible shipper, but oh well) pick it up.

But don't take toooo long. As Apple says in a letter in the package:

If you do not arrange collection of the return envelope/box within 10 business days of the date on which you receive this letter, Apple will have the right to charge your credit card a non-return fee in the amount described at the time of order confirmation, as you agreed when you requested a repair from AppleCare Service.

So what's going to happen to all those adapters when they are shipped back to Apple? Are they going to end up in e-waste dumps in Asia? Readers, what do you think?