So I walk into my bosses office and out of my peripherals I see a cell phone sitting in his trash.

mrpaseo

So I walk into my bosses office and out of my peripherals I see a cell phone sitting in his trash.

Now I know there is "Gold" in cell phones so I mention it and tell him that there is gold in it. He says how much like $5.00? I said, "Probably less". You mind if I take it? He said go ahead.

So... Have any of you ever tried to "recover" gold? I know there are a lot of YT videos on it but want to hear your experiences.

Any of you scrap as a hobby?

Thanks for reading,

Ray

OnlyGoldIsMoney

I have not ever tried to recover metals from electronics.

From what I can gather "the juice ain't worth the squeeze".

tneig

Its a big process and not worth it for one phone. Those that do collect phones all the time, know what parts to break down, then use acid techniques to melt the gold out, then reconstitute it, and whatever comes next. Better to just sell a phone to someone that does if for a couple bucks.

mrpaseo

<< <i>I have not ever tried to recover metals from electronics.

From what I can gather "the juice ain't worth the squeeze". >>




I believe there is a point of balance where something becomes valuable once the time spent on it is worth the effort

I actually have a small bin (Like a small trash can) that I throw old electronics in for future scrapping. I figure some day when I am retired and am looking for something to do with my down time I can process old junk into some cash (Albeit small).

I also really enjoy taking things apart so not matter what it's worth seeing how it ticks

scrapman1077

PM sent

Jinx86

Ive stripped thousands of computer components. takes quite a bit of time and effort. CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS.

So if you don't have the proper acids, chemicals, capabilities to make a huge lead terminal and stainless steel platform. I wouldn't suggest doing it for one cell phone.

It was profitable at 1500+ gold for me but now with prices where they are I don't do any of the hard work I just stash pins/board parts for possibly doing it again.

I think the best old CPU would yield 1/3 gram of gold.


*Also getting rid of waste materials can be very costly unless you have an "IN" with someone in toxic waste disposal.*

CaptHenway

I have seen machines in malls and even in grocery stores where you put in an old phone and it gives you cash. No idea how much.

Downtown1974

<< <i>I have seen machines in malls and even in grocery stores where you put in an old phone and it gives you cash. No idea how much. >>



Good info to know. I have about 8 or 10 old cell phones in a junk drawer.

ricko

You would need a very large quantity of electronics to make recovery cost effective....better to sell the phone...Cheers, RickO

Spooly

Jinx86 is correct..... the process is DANGEROUS.

Bochiman

<< <i>I have seen machines in malls and even in grocery stores where you put in an old phone and it gives you cash. No idea how much. >>



Yep.....I have used them as well.....however, most of the "old" phones give you nothing. They really want current phones.....even then, unless it is one of the current hot phones, you are likely to get $15 or less, in my limited experience.