Is there gold in refrigerators?
Ava Arnold
Updated on January 09, 2026
Over the last decade, gold-bearing circuit boards have found their way into a growing number of appliances that include air conditioners, microwaves, refrigerators, and even kitchen stoves. The more features and “bells and whistles” that are present, the more likely it is that they contain small quantities of gold.
What appliances contain gold?
Today, we'd like to give you a checklist of other easily overlooked electronic devices that contain gold too:
- Remotes of All Kinds. ...
- Old Stereo Components. ...
- VCRs, CD Players and DVD players. ...
- Older CB, Ham, and Shortwave Radios. ...
- Two Ways to Collect Quantities of these Devices to Recycle.
How much gold is in a microwave?
The earliest microwave ovens had a piece of the magnetron that was gold plated and worth between 35 to 75 cents. The magnetron is usually made from steel with some steel made into it.What household items have precious metals?
Household electronics
- Radios and televisions.
- Remotes.
- Gaming consoles.
- Cellphones.
- Personal computers, computer components, and tablet computers.
Is there gold in old TVs?
Televisions are made of several different materials. Some of the most valuable components of an older CRT monitor are metals. CRT TVs usually contain parts made of copper, gold, iron, steel, and many more, all of which can be refined for the manufacturing of new products.How To Mine Gold From Electronics | World Wide Waste
How much gold is in an average computer?
But that's not counting the cost of removing it. Some other sources estimate that your average computer contains about 1/5th of a gram, or about $12 worth, of gold in them. Laptops, on the other hand, typically contain about 1/10th of a gram of gold, or around $6 worth.What devices have the most gold in them?
Early digital still cameras – again, the bigger the better. Big old desktop computers and peripheral devices like modems and scanners. Old televisions – some old pre-flatscreen large living room models can contain gold that is worth $5.00 or more. Old stereo components including amplifiers and receivers.How much gold is in a cell phone 2021?
There are 0.034 grams of gold in each cell phone, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. That's the equivalent of 0.001 troy ounces, worth about $1.82 at today's prices.How do you remove gold from electronics?
Melt the goldAdd some borax (available from chemists); this enables the gold to be melted at a temperature lower than 1,064C. When the borax begins to soften, add the gold flakes. Heat until the flakes melt into a gold bead. Now let it cool before chipping the gold out of the re-solidified borax.