Recycling Printed Circuit Boards

August 14, 2017

Recycling Printed Circuit Boards

Recycling is important for a number of reasons. Recycling helps keep waste out of our landfills and reduces the need for raw materials. Despite what many people believe, recycling electronic devices is just as important as recycling plastic and metal. In fact, with the number of electronics being used today, proper recycling of electronics is more important than ever before.

Recycling Electronics

With all of the recent advances in technology, it’s becoming more and more important to figure out what to do with electronic scrap, waste and unused electronics. Household devices such as computers, television sets and stereo systems all contain important components. The metal and components in these electrical devices can be broken down, recycled and reused.

Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are commonly used to connect the electrical components in electronic devices. The manufacturing of PCBs involves the use of special chemicals as well as valuable materials.

Older printed circuit boards that no longer work should never be disposed of in landfills. These boards contain heavy metals and hazardous materials that can pose a serious threat to our environment. PCBs often contain precious metals such as silver, gold, palladium and copper. During recycling, up to 99% of these precious metals can be recovered.

Recycling Methods for PCBs

There are many methods of recycling printed circuit boards. Common methods include electro-chemical, hydro-metallurgy and smelting processes. Many of these methods help recover precious metal scrap, electronic components and connectors.

Printed circuit boards are often recycled through dismantling. Dismantling involves the removal of tiny components on the PCB. Once recovered, many of these components can be used again. Common PCB components include capacitors, switches, audio sockets, TV plugs, resistors, motors, screws, CRTs, LEDs and transistors. Dismantling PCBs requires the use of special tools and extremely careful handling.

PCB Layout and Assembly

ACDi offers electronics manufacturing services, including PCB layout and assembly. Our experienced team is well prepared to provide turnkey solutions for a variety of industries. Our quality control practices ensure high quality printed circuit boards time and time again. Please contact us for more information about our PCB layout and assembly services.

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