How much gold can be extracted from the electronics you got in years past?

Recycle and Refine GoldRecycle Precious MetalsRecycling and Refining
Written By Barry Lenson

All kinds of statistics get thrown around in the world of recycling precious metals. Here are some we have heard . . .

  1. “Cellphones contain about two cents’ worth of gold . . . “

  2. “An old cathode ray computer monitor contains a nickel’s worth of gold . . .”

  3. “A ton of electronics scrap should contain about 12 ounces of gold . . .”

Those are interesting statements. The thing about them is, they are generally not true. How can a statement like #3 be true, for example, when a ton of electronic scrap could contain old computers, old remotes, piles of cellphones, a bunch of thermocouple wire (which might not contain any gold at all), or something else?

So the one thing to remember is that virtually all old electronic devices do contain some gold, so you should never toss them. How much gold? That is where Specialty Metals Smelters and Refiners comes into play. Give us a call at 800-426-2344 and we will explain how we can test your scrap and tell you exactly how much gold, silver, platinum, and other precious metal it contains.

The Ghosts of Christmas Presents Past

So even though it is not possible to tell you how much your old electronics are worth in today’s blog post, we can still list some of the most popular electronic devices from the past that contain enough gold to recycle profitably – provided you can get your hands on a large number of them. Here’s a list . . .

  • “Smart” space heaters, humidifiers and other devices that added comfort to home spaces

  • Cellphones and Blackberries

  • Coffee and beverage makers

  • Cookers and other electronic kitchen devices

  • Countertop electronic ovens

  • Digital cameras and video cameras

  • Digital photo frames (a very popular gift only a few years ago)

  • Electronic toys of all kinds

  • Flatscreen and pre-flatscreen televisions and monitors

  • Game consoles

  • Home security systems

  • Laptop and desktop computers of all kinds

  • Microwave ovens

  • Older televisions of all kinds

  • Personal Digital Assistants

  • Personal digital music players of all kinds

  • Projectors, modems, and all other computer peripherals

  • Remotes

  • Smart robots and other cleaning devices

  • Smart speakers and all home audio equipment

  • Tablet computers

  • VCRs and DVD players

Should You Melt Down a Furby or a Tickle Me Elmo?

No, we would never recommend that. But the fact is, yesterday’s hottest electronic gift items could be worth more than you think. Some have collectible value that can exceed the value of the materials they contain. (Take a quick look on eBay to get an idea.) Other items can contain enough gold to be worth recycling, provided you can collect a large quantity of them.

Want to know what the gold in that Betamax you got from your grandma is worth – that one that is still sitting in its original box in the basement? Our precious metal recycling consultants are awaiting your call at 800-426-2344.

Barry Lenson
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