{
  "id": 17309203,
  "title": "E-waste trade driven by value of precious metals in discarded devices",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/30/e-waste-trade-driven-by-value-of-precious-metals-in-discarded-devices",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-30T23:30:31.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/10/1567320/e-waste-trade-driven-value-precious-metals-discarded-devices"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A discarded computer or electronic device may still hold value, even after its useful life has ended. The materials inside these devices can command a price in the international e-waste trade. Malaysia's Border Control and Protection Agency (MCBA) Port Klang commander, Datuk Nik Ezanee Mohd Faisal, highlighted that printed circuit boards (PCBs) can contain precious metals such as gold, silver, and palladium. Other materials found in PCBs include tin, aluminium, nickel, zinc, and iron. Lead is also identified as a component. Department of Environment estimates suggest that an e-waste consignment weighing between 15 to 20 tonnes can be worth between US$4,000 and US$8,000. This pricing equates to a disposal cost of RM500 to RM3,000 per tonne. These figures emphasize the economic aspect of e-waste: valuable materials can be recovered and sold, while the disposal of the remaining waste incurs a cost. This means obsolete electronics cannot be dismissed as worthless. The commercial incentive lies in extracting materials that still have value, specifically precious metals, while the remaining waste must be handled and disposed of appropriately. Controlling the movement of e-waste at the border is just one aspect of the equation. Ensuring that recovery, processing, and disposal of the material take place through legitimate channels is equally important.",
  "summary": "PORT KLANG: A discarded computer or electronic device may have reached the end of its useful life, but the materials inside it can still command a price.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}