Old printed circuit boards contain recoverable gold, palladium, silver, and copper – making them one of the most valuable forms of electronic waste you can sell. This guide breaks down exactly how much scrap PCBs are worth per kilogram in Latvia in 2026, what factors drive the price, and where to sell them safely in Riga and across the country.
In 2026, printed circuit board scrap in Latvia sells for anywhere between 0.50 EUR/kg for low-grade appliance boards and 30+ EUR/kg for high-yield telecom and server boards. The price depends on three key factors: the concentration of precious metals (especially gold and palladium), the board grade classification, and current global spot prices for those metals. According to the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA), gold is currently trading above 4,200 EUR per troy ounce, which supports historically strong PCB scrap valuations across all grades. Metalbee in Riga provides transparent assessments and competitive pricing for all PCB types, with convenient options for customers across Latvia.
What Factors Determine the Price of Scrap PCBs in Latvia in 2026?
Three factors drive PCB scrap pricing: precious metal concentration, board grade, and the global commodity market. Every electro board contains a unique mixture of recoverable metals, and that mixture is what determines how much a buyer will pay per kilogram.
The most significant value driver is precious metal content. Gold (Au), palladium (Pd), and silver (Ag) are present in varying concentrations across different types of circuit boards. A board from a telecommunications switch, for example, may contain ten times more gold per kilogram than a board pulled from a microwave oven. Palladium, used in multilayer ceramic capacitors and connector plating, can be equally significant – and at current 2026 prices, even a few extra grams per tonne translates to substantial value differences.
The second factor is board grade classification. The electronics recycling industry categorises PCBs into high, medium, and low grades based on component density, chip count, visible gold plating, and connector quality. High-grade boards feature dense arrays of small chips, gold-plated edge connectors, and components rich in precious metals. Low-grade boards are typically sparsely populated, with large passive components like transformers and capacitors that add weight but little recoverable metal value.
The third factor is the global commodity market. PCB scrap prices are directly tied to the LBMA spot prices for gold, palladium, and silver. According to the LBMA, these benchmark prices are set twice daily in London and serve as the globally recognised reference for precious metal valuation. When gold rises, PCB scrap values rise proportionally. In February 2026, gold is trading around 4,200-4,300 EUR per troy ounce, which supports strong scrap pricing across all board grades.
Additionally, copper content – which ranges from 10% to 30% by weight in most PCBs – adds significant base metal value. Copper is not a precious metal, but at current prices of 8-9 EUR/kg for refined copper, the copper alone in a kilogram of circuit boards can contribute 1-3 EUR of value before precious metals are even counted.
PCB Grading Factors
Factor | High-Grade | Medium-Grade | Low-Grade |
Component density | Very dense, many small chips | Moderate chip count | Sparse, few chips |
Gold plating | Heavy gold-plated connectors | Light gold plating | Minimal or none |
Typical sources | Telecom, servers, military | PCs, laptops, phones | Appliances, TVs, PSUs |
Precious metal yield | 150-400 g gold/tonne | 50-150 g gold/tonne | 10-30 g gold/tonne |
Price indicator | 20-35+ EUR/kg | 5-15 EUR/kg | 0.50-3 EUR/kg |
How Much Can You Earn Per Kilogram for Different PCB Types in Latvia Right Now?
Prices range from under 1 EUR/kg for basic appliance boards to over 30 EUR/kg for premium telecom and server-grade PCBs. The following table reflects approximate market values in Latvia as of early 2026, based on current precious metal spot prices and standard European recycling market rates.
Keep in mind that these figures fluctuate with global commodity markets and may vary depending on board condition, quantity, and whether components have been removed or damaged. For an accurate quote on your specific boards, Metalbee offers free assessments with no obligation.
Board Type | Typical Sources | Price Range (EUR/kg) | Key Metals |
High-grade telecom/server | Telecom switches, rack servers, mainframes | 20 – 35+ EUR/kg | Au, Pd, Ag, Cu |
Mobile phone boards | Smartphones, tablets | 15 – 25 EUR/kg | Au, Pd, Ag, Cu, Pt |
RAM / memory sticks | Desktop and laptop RAM modules | 10 – 20 EUR/kg | Au, Pd, Ag |
PC motherboards | Desktop PCs, laptops (post-2005) | 5 – 12 EUR/kg | Au, Cu, Pd |
Consumer electronics | Routers, DVD players, game consoles | 2 – 8 EUR/kg | Cu, Sn, Ag |
Low-grade appliance boards | Washing machines, microwaves, PSUs | 0.50 – 2 EUR/kg | Cu, Sn |
Mobile phone boards deserve special mention. Despite being small and light, smartphone PCBs are among the most metal-dense boards in existence. A single kilogram of phone boards can contain more recoverable gold than 5 kilograms of standard PC motherboards. If you have old phones sitting in a drawer, they are likely worth far more than you think. For practical tips on preparing your old devices for sale, see our guide on best practices for selling old computers and phones.
Why Are Some Printed Circuit Boards Worth 30+ EUR/kg While Others Sell for Less Than 1 EUR/kg?
The answer comes down to precious metal concentration. A tonne of high-grade PCBs from telecom equipment can contain 150 to 400 grams of gold, while a tonne of low-grade appliance boards may hold just 10 to 30 grams. At February 2026 gold prices of approximately 4,200 EUR per troy ounce (around 135 EUR per gram), that difference in concentration creates a value gap of tens of euros per kilogram.
To put this in practical terms: 400 grams of gold at 135 EUR/gram equals roughly 54,000 EUR per tonne from gold content alone. Divide that by 1,000 kilograms and you get 54 EUR/kg in gold value – before adding palladium, silver, and copper recovery. Compare this to a low-grade board with 20 grams of gold per tonne: that is just 2,700 EUR per tonne, or 2.70 EUR/kg in gold content. The spread is enormous.
Several physical characteristics explain why some boards are so much richer in precious metals:
Gold-plated edge connectors and contact pins are the most visible source of gold on any electro board. Telecom and server equipment uses thicker gold plating on connectors because these systems must maintain reliable electrical connections for years of continuous operation. Consumer electronics use thinner plating or tin-based alternatives.
Chip and IC density matters because integrated circuits contain gold bond wires connecting the silicon die to external pins. Boards packed with dozens of small, high-pin-count ICs yield more gold per kilogram than boards with a few large, simple components.
Multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) are a key source of palladium. High-spec telecom boards contain thousands of MLCCs, each with thin palladium electrodes. Consumer boards use fewer and cheaper capacitor types.
For a deeper understanding of how these metals are actually extracted and recovered, read our article on how printed circuit boards are recycled.
Precious Metal Content by PCB Grade
PCB Grade | Gold (g/tonne) | Palladium (g/tonne) | Silver (g/tonne) | Copper (% weight) |
High-grade (telecom/server) | 150 – 400 | 50 – 200 | 1,000 – 3,000 | 20 – 30% |
Medium-grade (PC/consumer) | 50 – 150 | 20 – 80 | 500 – 1,500 | 15 – 25% |
Low-grade (appliance) | 10 – 30 | 5 – 20 | 100 – 500 | 10 – 15% |
How Do Global Precious Metal Markets Influence PCB Prices in Riga and Other Latvian Cities?
PCB scrap prices in Latvia track directly with LBMA gold and palladium spot prices – when these metals rise on global markets, waste values increase proportionally across Riga, Liepaja, Daugavpils, and every other city in the country. There is no separate “Latvian price” for precious metals; global markets set the baseline, and local buyers adjust accordingly.
In February 2026, gold is trading around 5,000 USD (approximately 4,200-4,300 EUR) per troy ounce – a significant increase from roughly 2,900 EUR per ounce a year earlier. According to the European Commission’s official WEEE statistics portal, the EU generates approximately 16 kg of e-waste per capita annually, with a growing share of that value locked in printed circuit boards that contain these increasingly expensive precious metals. This means that the same circuit board that might have fetched 20 EUR/kg in early 2025 could now command 28-30 EUR/kg, purely because the gold inside it is worth more at current market prices.
Palladium, the second most important precious metal in PCB recycling, has experienced its own price movements. Silver, while less valuable per gram, contributes meaningfully because it appears in higher concentrations – often measured in kilograms per tonne rather than grams.
Currency exchange rates add another layer. Precious metals are globally priced in US dollars, but electronics scrap transactions in Latvia happen in euros. When the euro weakens against the dollar, it effectively makes scrap more expensive in EUR terms, which can push local waste prices higher even if the USD gold price stays flat.
How Gold Price Movements Affect PCB Scrap Values
Gold Spot (EUR/oz) | High-Grade PCB (EUR/kg) | Medium-Grade (EUR/kg) | Low-Grade (EUR/kg) |
3,000 (early 2025 level) | 18 – 25 | 4 – 10 | 0.30 – 1.50 |
3,500 | 22 – 29 | 5 – 12 | 0.40 – 1.80 |
4,000 | 25 – 33 | 6 – 14 | 0.50 – 2.00 |
4,200+ (Feb 2026 level) | 28 – 35+ | 7 – 15 | 0.50 – 2.20 |
The table above illustrates an important point: gold price increases benefit high-grade boards far more than low-grade ones, in absolute EUR terms. A 40% increase in the gold price might add 10 EUR/kg to a high-grade board’s value but only 0.50 EUR/kg to a low-grade board. This is because the precious metal content – the component most sensitive to market prices – makes up a much larger share of a high-grade board’s total value.
Where Can You Safely Sell and Deliver Printed Circuit Boards in Riga, and What Options Exist for Customers From Other Latvian Regions?
Metalbee in Riga accepts all types of printed circuit boards – from a small bag of old phone boards to pallets of decommissioned server equipment – with transparent pricing, professional assessment, and prompt payment. As a licensed operator compliant with EU Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive requirements and Latvian environmental regulations, Metalbee ensures your e-waste is handled legally and responsibly.
Using a licensed recycler is not just a best practice – it is a legal requirement. The EU WEEE Directive (2012/19/EU), transposed into Latvian law, requires that electronic waste be processed through authorised channels. Selling old electronics to unlicensed operators risks environmental damage from improper handling of hazardous materials (lead solder, brominated flame retardants) and can carry penalties under Latvian environmental law.
For Customers in Riga
If you are based in Riga, the process is straightforward. Bring your boards to Metalbee for a free on-site assessment. Boards are sorted, weighed, and graded while you wait. You receive a transparent breakdown of what you are being paid and why, with payment processed promptly. This is the simplest path for electronics disposal in Latvia’s capital.
For Customers Outside Riga
If you are in Liepaja, Daugavpils, Jelgava, Jurmala, Ventspils, or any other part of Latvia, there are several options for electronics disposal. You can arrange delivery or shipment directly to Riga. For larger quantities, collection arrangements may be available – contact Metalbee to discuss logistics and determine the most cost-effective approach based on your volume and location.
What to Expect: The Assessment Process
When you bring or send your boards to Metalbee, here is what happens: boards are visually inspected and sorted by grade (high, medium, low). Each category is weighed separately. Pricing is calculated based on current precious metal spot prices and standard industry yield assumptions for each grade. You receive a detailed offer, and if you accept, payment is made promptly. No hidden fees, no surprises.
Conclusion: Your Old PCBs Are Worth More Than You Think
Printed circuit boards are not waste – they are a concentrated source of valuable precious metals. With gold prices at historic highs above 4,200 EUR per ounce in February 2026, there has rarely been a better time to turn unused electronics into cash. Whether you have a drawer full of old smartphones, a box of retired RAM sticks, or pallets of decommissioned server boards, every electro board has a value that can be assessed and paid out fairly.
The key is knowing what you have and working with a buyer who offers transparent pricing based on current market rates. Metalbee provides exactly that – expert assessment, fair pricing, and hassle-free electronics disposal service for customers in Riga and across all of Latvia. Contact us today for a free evaluation of your circuit boards and find out exactly what they are worth.
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How much are scrap printed circuit boards worth per kilogram in Latvia in 2026?
Prices range from under 1 EUR/kg for low-grade appliance boards to over 30 EUR/kg for high-grade telecom and server boards. The exact price depends on precious metal content (gold, palladium, silver concentration), board grade classification, and current global commodity market prices. Mobile phone boards typically sell for 15-25 EUR/kg, RAM sticks for 10-20 EUR/kg, and PC motherboards for 5-12 EUR/kg.
What makes some PCBs more valuable than others?
Gold, palladium, and silver concentration is the primary driver. High-grade boards from servers and telecom equipment can contain 150-400 grams of gold per tonne, while low-grade boards from household appliances may hold only 10-30 grams. At 2026 gold prices, this concentration difference creates a value gap of over 30 EUR/kg between the highest and lowest grade boards.
Do I need to remove components from circuit boards before selling them?
Generally, no. Reputable buyers like Metalbee accept boards as-is and perform professional assessment. Removing components incorrectly can actually reduce the board’s value or damage recoverable materials. The best practice is to keep boards intact, clean, and sorted by type when possible. See our guide on best practices for selling old computers and phones for more tips.
Can I sell PCBs if I do not live in Riga?
Yes. Metalbee serves customers from all Latvian regions. Whether you are in Liepaja, Daugavpils, Jelgava, Jurmala, or any other city, you can arrange delivery or shipping. Contact Metalbee to discuss logistics and the most cost-effective option based on the volume and type of boards you have.
Is it legal to sell old circuit boards in Latvia?
Yes, selling old circuit boards is legal in Latvia, but electronic waste must be handled through properly licensed recyclers in compliance with the EU WEEE Directive (2012/19/EU) and Latvian environmental regulations. Using a licensed buyer like Metalbee ensures legal compliance and environmentally safe handling of hazardous materials.
