July 22, 2025

Electronic Waste Statistics

repcb1 on July 22, 2025

Key Takeaways...

Electronic waste (e-waste) is the fastest-growing waste stream worldwide, driven by rapid technological advancements and increased consumer demand for electronic devices.

Understanding the scale of this issue is crucial for businesses, policymakers, and individuals aiming to manage e-waste responsibly and sustainably.

Global E-Waste Generation

62 million tonnes in 2022: According to the Global E-Waste Monitor 2024, a record 62 million tonnes of e-waste were produced globally in 2022, marking an 82% increase from 2010. ITU+6E-Waste Monitor+6WMW+6
Projected 82 million tonnes by 2030: The report forecasts that global e-waste generation will rise to 82 million tonnes by 2030, a further 32% increase from 2022. DTP Group+4E-Waste Monitor+4WMW+4

Recycling Rates and Challenges

22.3% recycled in 2022: In 2022, only 22.3% of global e-waste was documented as formally collected and recycled in an environmentally sound manner. ITU+1E-Waste Monitor+1
Regional disparities: Europe had the highest recycling rate at 42.8%, while Africa had less than 1% of e-waste formally collected and recycled. ITU
Rare earth elements: Despite containing valuable materials like gold and copper, e-waste recycling currently meets only 1% of global demand for rare earth elements. UNITAR

Regional Insights

Asia-Pacific: The Asia-Pacific region generated the highest amount of e-waste in 2021, with an estimated 25 million metric tons. Market.us Scoop
Americas and Europe: The Americas and Europe also contributed significantly to global e-waste generation in 2021. Market.us Scoop
China and the United States: In 2021, China was the largest generator of e-waste with approximately 10 million metric tons, followed by the United States with around 7 million metric tons. Market.us Scoop

Environmental and Economic Implications

Valuable materials lost: Billions of dollars worth of strategically valuable resources are squandered or dumped due to inadequate recycling. CEP | Circular Electronics Partnership+2E-Waste Monitor+2UNITAR+2
Pollution risks: Improper disposal of e-waste can lead to environmental pollution and health hazards, particularly in regions lacking proper recycling infrastructure.

WEEE Waste Statistics Summary

The statistics highlight a pressing need for improved e-waste management practices globally. While the generation of e-waste continues to rise, recycling rates remain insufficient to recover valuable materials and mitigate environmental impacts.

Efforts to enhance recycling infrastructure, promote consumer awareness, and implement effective policies are essential to address the growing e-waste challenge.

What Does a Motherboard Do?

repcb1 on July 22, 2025

Key Takeaways...

The motherboard is the central PCB that connects and allows communication between all computer components.
It provides sockets, slots, and connectors for the CPU, RAM, storage, and peripherals.
The chipset on the motherboard manages data flow and device communication.
BIOS/UEFI firmware stored on the motherboard controls hardware startup and configuration.

The motherboard is often described as the “heart” or “backbone” of a computer. It’s a critical component that connects and allows communication between all the other parts of a computer system. Whether in a personal laptop, a business server, or an industrial machine, the motherboard plays a vital role in ensuring everything functions smoothly.

In this article, we explore the purpose and functions of a motherboard, how it fits into computer architecture, and why understanding this component is important—especially when it comes to disposal and recycling.

What Is a Motherboard?

A motherboard is a large printed circuit board (PCB) that houses the computer’s main components and provides connectors for other peripherals. It acts as the central hub through which the processor (CPU), memory (RAM), storage devices, and input/output devices communicate.

The motherboard contains a network of circuits, slots, and sockets, allowing each component to interface with others efficiently. Without it, none of the parts of a computer could work together.

Key Functions of a Motherboard

1. Connecting Hardware Components

The motherboard provides slots and sockets for essential hardware components:

CPU Socket: Holds the central processing unit, the brain of the computer.
RAM Slots: Where memory modules are inserted.
Expansion Slots: For graphics cards, sound cards, or network cards.
Storage Connectors: For hard drives and SSDs, typically using SATA or NVMe connections.
Power Connectors: To distribute power from the power supply unit to components.

2. Facilitating Communication

Motherboards contain a chipset, a set of integrated circuits that manage data flow between the CPU, memory, and peripherals. The chipset ensures that commands and data are correctly routed across the system.

It also manages communication buses such as PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) and USB (Universal Serial Bus), which connect various devices and expansion cards.

3. Providing BIOS/UEFI Firmware

The motherboard houses firmware called BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) or its modern successor UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface). This firmware initiates hardware during startup and provides a set of low-level controls for system configuration.

4. Power Regulation

Motherboards regulate the power supply to the CPU and other components, ensuring stable and reliable operation.

Why the Motherboard Is Important for Recycling

Because the motherboard contains a variety of metals, including copper, gold, and sometimes rare earth elements, it is an important target for electronic waste recycling. Recovering these materials helps reduce environmental impact and supports sustainable manufacturing practices.

Recycling motherboards also ensures that hazardous materials, such as lead and other heavy metals found in some components, are safely disposed of.

At RePCB, we offer responsible motherboard recycling services for businesses across the UK, recovering valuable materials while complying with environmental regulations.

Why Are Hard Disks Used?

repcb1 on July 22, 2025

Key Takeaways...

Hard disks have been a cornerstone of data storage for decades. Despite rapid advancements in digital technology and the rise of solid-state drives (SSDs), hard disk drives (HDDs) continue to be widely used in both consumer and commercial settings. But why are hard disks still relevant in a world increasingly defined by speed, cloud computing, and miniaturisation?

This article explores the key functions of hard disks, their continued relevance, and why businesses still depend on them in today’s data-driven landscape.

What Is a Hard Disk?

A hard disk drive (HDD) is a mechanical data storage device that uses spinning magnetic platters to read and write digital information. Data is stored magnetically, and an actuator arm with a read/write head accesses it while the platters spin at high speed.

Hard disks have been around since the 1950s, evolving significantly in size, storage capacity, and speed. Even today, HDDs remain a cost-effective solution for storing large volumes of data.

Primary Uses of Hard Disks

1. Mass Storage for Data

Hard disks are widely used for bulk storage due to their high capacity and relatively low cost. A single HDD can store multiple terabytes of data, making it ideal for servers, data centres, surveillance systems, and personal computers that require significant space for files, media, and backups.

2. Backup and Archiving

Many businesses use hard disks for backup and archival purposes. HDDs provide a stable, long-term storage option for critical data, helping companies ensure business continuity in the event of a cyberattack, data corruption, or hardware failure.

3. Use in Enterprise and Cloud Infrastructure

Large-scale IT operations, including cloud storage providers and enterprise servers, continue to deploy hard disks because of their affordability and storage density. While SSDs offer faster speeds, HDDs still dominate when capacity is a priority.

4. Surveillance and CCTV Systems

HDDs are frequently used in CCTV and security systems due to their ability to record and store large volumes of video footage around the clock. Their durability and storage efficiency make them a natural choice for high-capacity surveillance setups.

Advantages of Hard Disks

Despite newer technologies, hard disks maintain several benefits that support their ongoing use:

High capacity at low cost – HDDs offer more storage per pound than SSDs.
Longevity for archival use – When properly stored, hard disks can retain data for many years.
Widespread compatibility – They can be used in virtually any computer system or server setup.

Challenges and Limitations

Of course, hard disks are not without drawbacks. They are slower than solid-state drives, more susceptible to damage from shock or movement, and less energy-efficient. However, these limitations are often outweighed by their cost-effectiveness in high-volume applications.

Environmental Considerations

As hard disks eventually reach the end of their lifespan, they become part of the growing stream of e-waste. Given the sensitive data stored on these devices, secure destruction and responsible recycling are essential.

At RePCB, we specialise in secure hard disk disposal and hard drive recycling for UK businesses. Our services ensure complete data destruction and compliance with WEEE regulations.

How Much Are Printed Circuit Boards Worth?

repcb1 on July 22, 2025

Key Takeaways...

The value of a printed circuit board comes from the recoverable metals such as gold, copper, and palladium.
High-grade PCBs like those from servers and telecoms offer the best returns.
Prices vary based on board grade, metal content, market rates, and volume.
RePCB offers UK-wide collection and competitive rebates for recyclable PCBs.

Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are central components of nearly all electronic devices—from computers and smartphones to industrial machinery. As these items reach the end of their life, their circuit boards still retain value due to the precious metals and recyclable materials they contain. For businesses in the UK looking to recycle electronic waste, understanding the value of PCBs is key to maximising returns and managing disposal responsibly.

In this article, we’ll explore what makes PCBs valuable, how their worth is calculated, and what your business can expect when recycling them.

What Makes a Printed Circuit Board Valuable?

The value of a PCB primarily comes from the metals embedded within it. Many boards contain small quantities of precious and base metals, including gold, silver, copper, palladium, and tin. These are recovered during the recycling process and sold on the commodities market. Higher-grade boards generally contain more of these materials, making them more valuable.

Gold is often used in connectors and edge fingers due to its excellent conductivity and resistance to corrosion. Copper is widely used throughout the board for tracks and components, and palladium can be found in capacitors. The concentration of these materials, and their market value, directly affects how much recyclers are willing to pay for PCB scrap.

Types of PCBs and Their Scrap Value

Not all PCBs are created equal. Their value depends heavily on their grade:

High-grade PCBs: Found in servers, telecom systems, and high-end IT equipment, these boards contain a higher concentration of precious metals and offer the greatest value.
Medium-grade PCBs: Common in household electronics, these offer a moderate return due to lower precious metal content.
Low-grade PCBs: Found in cheap or outdated devices, these contain minimal recoverable materials and therefore attract the lowest prices.

At RePCB, we assess your PCB waste based on these categories to offer competitive rebates that reflect current market values.

How Prices Are Determined

The scrap value of a PCB is influenced by multiple factors:

Grade of the board: As outlined above, high-grade boards are more valuable.
Current metal prices: Gold, copper, and other metals fluctuate in price on the global market, which directly impacts the price recyclers can offer.
Quantity and weight: Larger volumes tend to attract better rates, especially when dealing with high-grade materials.
Condition: Boards that are intact and not contaminated with other waste often yield better value.

While prices can vary from week to week, UK businesses can typically expect higher returns for server motherboards, RAM, CPUs, and telecom PCBs compared to mixed or low-grade circuit boards.

Current Market Trends in the UK

The UK market for PCB recycling remains strong, especially as sustainability targets push businesses to improve their e-waste practices. As of 2025, circuit board scrap prices in the UK range from a few pence per kilogram for low-grade materials to over £5/kg for premium, high-grade PCBs.

However, the most accurate pricing is obtained through direct assessment. At RePCB, we offer tailored quotes based on your waste type, location, and volume. Our clients also benefit from rebates where applicable.

Why RePCB?

At RePCB, we provide nationwide collection and recycling services for a wide range of PCB materials. We help businesses responsibly dispose of their circuit boards while offering competitive rebates where value exists. All collections are traceable, and we provide full documentation to support your compliance with WEEE regulations.

Our service is transparent, and we’re always happy to offer guidance on the potential value of your e-waste. Whether you’re disposing of server boards, RAM, CPUs, or mixed-grade circuit boards, we ensure that all recyclable value is extracted efficiently and responsibly.