How is PCB scrap priced?

PCB scrap (16 02 16) is priced by precious metal content (XRF assay or sampling/fire assay) against LME gold, silver, and palladium spot prices, less refining charges. High-grade server boards yield €1,500–3,000/t.

What is the WEEE Directive compliance obligation?

Electronics producers must finance WEEE take-back. Manufacturing waste (PCB scrap, solder dross) is industrial waste and not covered by WEEE — but must still be disposed via licensed industrial waste channels or valorized.

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Recover Precious Metals From Electronics & PCB Waste

Name: SymbioFlows Platform
Availability: InStock
Author: SymbioFlows

PCB scrap contains gold, silver, palladium, and copper worth more per tonne than primary ore. SymbioFlows matches electronics manufacturers with accredited WEEE refiners.

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200–400 g/t

Gold in 1 tonne PCB scrap

src: UNEP 2019

1–5 g/t

vs. 1 tonne gold ore

src: UNEP 2019

5M t/yr

EU WEEE generation

src: Eurostat 2022

95–99%

Solder dross tin content

src: industry data

Key Waste Streams — EWC Codes & Buyers

EWC Code	Material	Description	Who Buys It
16 02 16	PCB & Components (non-hazardous)	FR4 circuit board assemblies stripped of hazardous components.	WEEE refiners, precious metal smelters
16 02 13*	Hazardous WEEE	Displays, batteries, equipment containing hazardous substances.	Licensed WEEE processors (R2/e-Stewards certified)
11 01 13*	Solder Dross & Tin Solder Waste	Dross from wave/reflow soldering — 95–99% tin.	Tin smelters, alloy producers
12 01 03	Non-ferrous Metal Scrap	Copper, aluminium trim from PCB fabrication and punching.	Non-ferrous metal recyclers
16 06 01*	Lead Batteries	Failed lead-acid batteries from UPS and test equipment.	Lead-acid battery recyclers (mandatory take-back)