Many households throw away a common appliance without realizing they might be tossing out gold. A recent report reveals that a regular microwave contains small amounts of 22-karat gold inside its internal circuits.
This gold, found in connectors and control boards, is highly valuable due to its electrical properties and resistance to corrosion, making it ideal for electronic components. Often, when a microwave stops working, it ends up in the trash with its owner unaware of what’s inside. But when several devices are collected, these tiny amounts can add up to a significant sum, especially for those involved in electronic recycling.
And microwaves aren’t the only items with hidden value. Other everyday devices, such as phones, computers, old televisions, and appliances with electronic controls, may also contain traces of gold.
Is it really worth checking your electronic waste for gold?
Yes, if you have several old devices lying around, recovering the gold can lead to an unexpected profit. With the right technique and enough volume, that “trash” could turn into a profitable opportunity.