PCB recycling

Trading in circuit boards

Recycling old circuit boards is part of Holland Recycling’s core business. Thanks to our many years of experience, we can determine the correct value of every circuit board.

"Have your old laptops recycled sustainably and responsibly."

Luuk Bongers

Sales Manager

PCB recycling: How does it work?

Trade in your old circuit boards in five simple steps. We ensure a smooth and transparent process with minimal burden for your organisation.

In the first step, you simply let us know which types of circuit boards are involved and what the estimated quantities are.

In the second step, our specialists provide you with a fair, no-obligation offer based on the current market value.

In the third step, we schedule a pickup in consultation with you.

The fourth step involves the responsible processing of your circuit boards, in which precious metals are recovered to the maximum extent.

In the fifth and final step, you receive a detailed report on the processing, and we arrange prompt payment.

Large volumes, sorted or unsorted, processed sustainably and efficiently.

Holland Recycling processes circuit boards in-house through a specially designed processing installation. This installation adds value by removing contaminants from the circuit board. This produces a high-quality smelting fraction that can be used directly by our smelters.

Trading in circuit boards: what is your batch worth?

Circuit boards come in various types and sizes and are found in every electronic device. Their value is determined by the concentration of precious metals: gold, silver, palladium and copper. The more complex the device, the higher-quality the circuit board, and the higher the price per kilo. Holland Recycling is the specialist in assessing and sorting a wide range of circuit board types. We have special installations that reduce the material in size and remove contaminants, so your circuit boards yield the maximum value.

Thanks to our many years of experience and in-depth material knowledge, we ensure an accurate valuation of your circuit boards. Our experts assess your batch based on current metal prices and the exact composition of the components. This way, you are always assured of a fair price that represents the true value of your material. Not sure how best to offer your batch? Via our WhatsApp service, we answer your questions directly.

Circuit boards by quality level

Circuit boards are divided into three quality levels based on their precious metal content.

Low-grade circuit boards come from household and audiovisual equipment and contain approximately 10 to 30 PPM gold.
Medium-quality circuit boards are found in devices with multiple functions, such as routers, modems and TV receivers, and contain 50 to 150 PPM gold.
High-grade circuit boards come from complex devices such as network and telecom equipment, and handle many processes simultaneously. Compact devices with many functions, such as mobile phones, contain the highest concentrations: 150 to 350 PPM gold.

Holland Recycling assesses your batch by quality level and offers you a market-conform price per kilo.

What our clients say:

“As the European market leader in network solution rentals, related services, and hardware buyback, IRENT offers organizations flexibility within their data centers. To achieve a fully circular and sustainable IT cycle, sustainable IT recycling is essential. For this reason, Holland Recycling’s commitment to sustainability makes them a key partner.”

IRENT IT systems

“For ICT vanaf Morgen, Holland Recycling is a valuable partner for the orderly recycling of IT equipment. Just like ICT vanaf Morgen, Holland Recycling views partnerships as opportunities to make the world a better place together.”

ICT vanaf Morgen

“As a cooperative bank, Rabobank has integrated sustainability into our business operations. Holland Recycling’s services manage a unique waste stream for Rabobank, ensuring that old IT hardware is professionally recycled into raw materials for new products.”

Rabobank

Which precious metals are in your circuit boards?

When trading in old circuit boards, we assess them for the concentration of four elements: gold, silver, palladium and copper. Other precious metals, such as rhodium or tantalum, also occur, but in very low concentrations. These metals are used for their conductivity, malleability and corrosion resistance. Gold, for example, can be found on the contacts of connectors and plugs, in layers just a few microns thick.

The gold concentration in circuit boards varies greatly by type and year of manufacture. Modern motherboards contain approximately 40 to 100 grams of gold per 1,000 kg; for motherboards older than 20 years, this rises to 140–200 grams per 1,000 kg. From a recycling perspective, the concentration of precious metals in circuit boards is gradually decreasing. This is precisely why it makes sense to trade in your batch now and recover a maximum of valuable raw materials.

PCB recycling and Urban Mining

Holland Recycling does not recover precious metals from circuit boards itself. The refining process is, after all, particularly complex and requires specialist installations. We therefore work closely with renowned smelters in Europe and Japan, where precious metals are refined in metallurgical processing plants. This way, we guarantee the highest recycling rates for your batch.

Precious metals are scarce and indispensable for countless products. Yet they are increasingly mined in ecologically vulnerable areas. The sustainable alternative is Urban Mining: recovering raw materials by recycling existing electronics. By trading in your old circuit boards with Holland Recycling, you demonstrably contribute to a circular economy and support your organisation’s CSR goals.

Have more IT equipment recycled responsibly?

Laptop recycling

The most circular solution for your old laptops. We reuse as many components as possible and recycle whatever is no longer usable.

Server recycling

Specialist in high-quality network equipment such as servers, switches and UPS units. Highly recyclable materials with high raw material value.

Computer recycling

Secure computer recycling for businesses and institutions. Including certified data destruction and a fast pickup service.

Monitor recycling

Monitors can contain hazardous substances. WEEELABEX-certified recycling guarantees responsible processing of flat panel and CRT screens.

Frequently asked questions

Find direct answers here to the most frequently asked questions about recycling or trading in your old circuit boards or other IT hardware.

Do you have another question?

Isn’t your question listed? Send us an email and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

What are old circuit boards worth?

The value of circuit boards depends on their precious metal content. Do you have a batch of circuit boards? You can send us photos, and we’ll let you know what value these circuit boards represent.

What's in a circuit board?

The main raw materials in a circuit board are gold, silver, palladium and copper. The amount of precious metals depends on the type of circuit board.

Can you also pick up circuit boards?

Holland Recycling can collect batches of circuit boards from your location. Feel free to ask us about the options.

How much gold is on a circuit board?

The proportion of gold on a circuit board depends on the type of circuit board. For example, circuit boards from audio equipment contain much less gold than circuit boards from computers or mobile phones.

What types of circuit boards are there?

We distinguish between the following three types of old circuit boards: low-grade circuit boards, medium-quality circuit boards and high-grade circuit boards. There are also specific qualities such as RAM cards, plug-in cards, and so on. Need help? Then get in touch with us.

Do you have any more questions?

Isn’t your question listed? Send us an email and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.