The Truth About Precious Metals in Circuit Boards: A Guide for Enthusiasts and Recyclers
In today's digital age, it's common to hear that computer circuit boards contain precious metals like gold, silver, and palladium. But how true is this? Dan Freed, CEO and founder of Specialty Metals, Spelters, and Refiners, provides valuable insights into this topic, separating fact from fiction.
Consumer Electronics: A Precious Metals Myth
Many people believe that everyday consumer electronics, such as laptops, flat-screen TVs, and home appliances, contain significant amounts of precious metals. However, this is largely a myth. Modern consumer electronics generally contain little to no valuable metals. For instance, despite popular belief, flat-screen TVs do not contain platinum or other precious metals. Calls from people hoping to find valuable materials in their old home electronics often lead to disappointment.
The Real Treasure: Older Industrial Circuit Boards
The real value lies in older industrial circuit boards, particularly those manufactured in the 1980s and 1990s. These boards, especially from military-grade equipment, can contain significant amounts of silver, gold, and palladium. Some of these older boards are worth as much as $100 per pound.
If you have a sizable amount of these boards—typically 3,000 to 5,000 pounds—it's worth considering selling them to a specialized refinery like Specialty Metals. They not only offer competitive prices for the precious metals extracted from these boards but also assist with transportation, depending on your location.
Preparing Your Circuit Boards for Sale
Before selling your circuit boards, it's important to prepare them properly:
Remove Non-Valuable Materials: Components like aluminum heat sinks and power sources do not contain precious metals and should be removed. These parts add unnecessary weight and can affect the valuation of your shipment.
Hard Drives: If possible, remove the hard drives as they are often dealt with separately.
Document Your Inventory: Take clear pictures of your boards. This helps the refinery assess the value and provide accurate guidance on the selling process.
How to Proceed
If you think you have a valuable collection of circuit boards, contact Specialty Metals at 800-426-2344 or email sales@specialtymetals.com. Include pictures of your items for a more accurate assessment. The team at Specialty Metals can provide advice on the best way to proceed, ensuring you get the best return on your materials.
In conclusion, while modern consumer electronics may not yield precious metals, older industrial circuit boards can still hold significant value. Properly preparing and understanding what you have can make a big difference in the value you receive. For anyone looking to recycle these materials, a little knowledge goes a long way in ensuring a profitable transaction.
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