Computer components have resale and scrap value.
Computer boards contain circuitry that is rich in precious metals. These metals can be captured, recycled, refined and returned to the market. While it's possible to extract precious metals from e-waste products yourself, that's a difficult undertaking. For those dealing in only small to moderate numbers of boards, e-waste recycling centers that pay by the pound are a better option.
Instructions
1. Remove the outer case from your computer. It is usually held in place by several screws on the back or side of the case.
2. Remove the RAM, video card and any other components that you want to save or salvage. These items are usually not held in place with screws. Simply pull on the cards and they will come out of the motherboard. The cards will range in size from several inches to about a foot in length. You can leave everything in place but would receive payment for the weight of the entire computer, which is generally a lower rate than you would get for the motherboard.
3. Disconnect any cables plugged into the motherboard, which is the large rectangular board into which all of the other boards are connected. Remove screws connecting the motherboard to the computer case and pop it out of place. You may have to apply some pressure and the board may bend slightly; this is normal.
4. Recycle your printed circuit boards in any of three ways: sell the working parts online using resources like Craigslist or eBay, use the working parts to build another computer or sell the boards to computer recycling companies for scrap. If you decide to sell the parts for scrap, you will be paid per pound and prices vary from facility to facility. To find a recycling center near you, search online for the term "e-waste recycling center" with your city added to the end.
Tags: e-waste recycling, held place, precious metals, recycling center, usually held