Recycling PCB is a process that requires specialized knowledge and skills, as different types of PCB require different recycling methods. In 2025, a research team from the University of Maryland, Georgia Institute of Technology, and the University of Notre Dame developed a breakthrough technology called DissolvPCB. This technology uses 3D printing to manufacture fully recyclable printed circuit boards, employing polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a water-soluble substrate and gallium-indium eutectic alloy (EGaIn) as a conductive material. When the printed circuit board becomes obsolete, it can simply be immersed in water, causing the PVA substrate to dissolve, the liquid metal to condense into droplets, and the electronic components to remain intact for reuse. This method achieves extremely high recycling efficiency, with a liquid metal recovery rate of 98.6% and a PVA recovery rate of 99.4%. Research shows that this technology can reliably handle currents up to 5A and support high-frequency signals up to 10 MHz, significantly outperforming traditional methods in multiple environmental metrics.
The method of recycling PCB depends on their type and composition. For traditional FR-4 substrate circuit boards, mechanical crushing and sorting methods are typically used. The process involves first crushing the printed circuit boards into millimeter-sized particles using a crusher to separate metals from non-metals, followed by techniques such as vibrating screens, air classification, magnetic separation, and eddy current separation to separate different materials. For high-value PCB containing precious metals, such as server motherboards and communication equipment boards, hydrometallurgy is the more commonly used method. This involves dissolving metals using sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, or cyanide solutions, followed by extraction of precious metals like copper and gold through processes like displacement and electrolysis. The gold content in a ton of computer motherboards can exceed 400 grams (this data is not absolute and is for reference only), far surpassing the gold content in gold ore. Pyrometallurgy, used by precious metal recyclers, is suitable for large-scale processing. It involves melting crushed circuit boards with a reducing agent in a high-temperature furnace, where metals form alloys and non-metals form slag.
To understand how to recycle PCB boards, it is essential to first grasp their classification methods. Based on value tiers, PCB can be categorized into high-end, mid-range, and low-value-added types. High-end PCB include server motherboards, military aviation boards, and communication equipment boards, which contain abundant precious metals such as gold, silver, and palladium, making them the most valuable for recycling. Mid-range PCB include motherboards from smartphones, tablets, and laptops, which contain a certain amount of copper and trace amounts of precious metals. Low-value PCB include simple printed circuit boards from household appliances and consumer electronics, primarily composed of copper and common metals. Based on substrate type, PCB can be categorized into metal substrates (e.g., aluminum, copper) and plastic substrates (e.g., FR-4). Different substrate types require distinct recycling and processing methods. The EU WEEE Directive requires that the minimum recycling rate for printed circuit boards reach 85% starting in 2025, with at least 50% of the materials being reused or recycled.
Individuals can start by simply disassembling and sorting PCB boards. First, prepare basic tools: screwdrivers, pliers, anti-static gloves, and storage containers. Carefully remove circuit boards from old electronic devices and store them by type. For mainboards from smartphones and tablets, they can be kept intact or specific chips can be removed. The mainboard from an iPhone 6S can sell for approximately $9, while the A11 chip board from an iPhone X is worth approximately $22 per pound. Server power supplies are hidden treasure troves; a Dell server power supply can yield 12 palladium plates, worth approximately $150. When recycling personally, be mindful of safety risks, avoid mixing old batteries to prevent fires, and ensure data security by thoroughly erasing information from storage devices. It is best to collaborate with professional recycling companies, which typically have computer vision technology and IoT systems to accurately identify printed circuit board components and value.
The values provided on this site are for reference only. For precise pricing, please contact our customer service.
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