Apple's device recycling program salvages valuable metals


In its recent annual environmental report, Apple disclosed some interesting details on what its salvaging from recycled devices. These are devices turned into Apple for recycling. The big number is the 2,204 pounds of gold, which is worth $40 million.

David Goldman for CNN:

Of the 90 million pounds of e-waste through its recycling programs, Apple said 61 million was in reusable materials. Gold made up a relatively trivial amount. But since gold is currently trading at more than $1,200 per troy ounce, it's among the most valuable materials it pulled from all those old gadgets.

Apple said it also collected 23 million pounds of steel; 13 million pounds of plastic; 12 million pounds of glass; 4.5 million pounds of aluminum; 3 million pounds of copper; and 6,600 pounds of silver.