Letter 5048

How Do I Extract the Gold from Computer Circuit Boards? . I have access to over 4 tons of old Computer Circuit Boards. I am wondering if anyone knows of a way that the gold can be extracted from these. I have heard that there is a solution you can soak the boards in and the gold will just "lift off" but I don't know what this is called and I'm not sure if it will actually work. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Mandi C [name deleted for privacy] - Spokane WA USA . The amount of gold you will get from 4 tons of circuit boards may not be worth the effort and cost. There are at least two ways to get the gold: (1) cut off the tabs and strip them in cyanide (2) burn the entire collection, smelt the copper and gold out of the ash, then extract the gold from the copper. Both methods are highly regulated environmentally, as well as being dangerous. I suggest you stay out of the business. Bill Vins microwave & cable assemblies Mesa (what a place-a), Arizona  + Hello, those boards if made before 1990 should be worth a dollar per pound after you cut the gold plated material off. There are better ways of gold extraction other than cyanide. I have refined gold for many years and have never used any form of cyanide. Use a dilute Aqua-regia. Arnold H [name deleted for privacy] - Hamilton , Ohio, USA

Hi, Marie, Heather, Mathew --

E-waste has become a curse on the planet. One of the problems is that amateur recyling is a wrecking ball that scatters the toxic materials everywhere. Add to it that the cost of recycling the whole item is so close to break even that when 'cherry picking' is done, the rest of the toxins remain unrecoverable and scattered everywhere. This video, and there are dozens like it from many major environmental organizations, explains why leaving the computer whole is a central ingredient in gaining control over the e-waste problem:

One convenient widget for locating green recyclers is on the Crutchfield site at http://www.crutchfield.com/environmental-policy/recycling.html.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.  finishing.com Brick, NJ

Arnold H of Hamilton, Ohio: I've been thinking about putting together a not for profit substance abuse recovery home and I'd like to understand the ins and outs of breaking down to a component level, home and business electronics and then selling them for salvage.

Do I sell circuits boards one place. Batteries another, plastic in yet another and of course our end goal is to provide some employment and fund raising.

If this won't stand on it own? Are there goverment underwritting funds available? Do you know of guide to such grants?

Thanks you,

Tod Pidgeon
Recycling - Dayton, Ohio

Hi, Tod. There is a "green recycler's pledge", intended to make the recovery of e-waste part of a sustainable economy. Green recyclers are forbidden from using prison/slave labor because it is impossible for anyone to build a business that can compete. Similarly, it may be that grants are forbidden because they drive real businesses into bankruptcy by letting the politically-connected compete against them while having their costs subsidized. But good luck.

Ted Mooney, P.E. 
finishing.com
Brick, NJ

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