Board Guy Category: Mixed Grade Board
Typical value: $3-$4 per kg
 

Notes: Mid-complexity boards containing a mix of integrated circuits, capacitors, and connectors. Commonly found in audio, video, or consumer electronics, these boards contain moderate chip density and limited precious metal content. It's positioned between low-grade control boards and higher-value logic or telecom boards.

Overview

Mixed grade boards represent the broad middle ground of circuit board recycling. They are typically sourced from consumer electronics, entertainment systems, routers, and control panels, where moderate processing power is required but not at the density seen in computing or telecom equipment.

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They usually feature a handful of ICs, a central processor or controller, and a range of passive components such as capacitors, diodes, and resistors. Some may also include small copper coils or modest shielding, adding weight without increasing yield value.

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Boards in this class are worth recovering but not for hand stripping as their gold and palladium content is limited, yet their consistent presence in bulk electronics makes them a reliable mid-tier category in recycling operations.

Identifying a Mixed Grade Board​

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Typical features include:

• Moderate IC population (4–10 per board)

• One or more controller or driver chips, occasionally a small BGA

• Mix of surface-mount and through-hole components

• RCA, HDMI, or similar small connectors

• Occasional coils or ferrite chokes

• No gold fingers or high-density chip clusters

• Generally clean, green or blue fibreglass PCB

 

These boards strike a balance and are visibly more complex than power boards, but without the density or high-value chip packages seen on server or telecom boards.

Preparation for Recycling

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Before selling or recycling:

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1. Remove batteries if present.

2. Leave small heat sinks, coils, and connectors attached. They are expected for this grade.

3. Do not cut or break boards. Intact pieces ensure accurate grading and maximum payout.

4. Separate any boards with visible gold fingers or heavy IC concentration, as these may qualify for mid- or high-grade classification.

 

A complete, unbroken mixed grade board typically falls within the $3–$4 per kg range. Consistency and cleanliness are key. Boards that mix plastic, steel, or heavily coated surfaces should be grouped separately to maintain accurate grading.