When it comes to recycling electronics, most people focus on larger items like computers, printers, or cell phones. But what about those dozens of USB flash drives floating around your office desk drawer or tossed into old boxes in the garage? You may wonder whether these small devices hold any real value when it comes to recycling; either for their raw materials or their reusable components.

The short answer is no! At least not individually. USB flash drives are compact, low-cost storage devices that pack just a few key components inside, and none of them carry significant monetary value on their own.

This is why recycling your USB flash drive to an organization like “RecycleUSB.com” is a better alternative.

RecycleUSB.com is a non‑profit initiative that transforms old or unused USB flash drives into portable learning devices for children, primarily in under-resourced parts of the world. Donors send functioning USB drives (typically 1 GB or larger), which are securely wiped using Department of Defense–grade methods and then formatted and loaded with the Sugar “Sugar on a Stick” Linux-based educational environment. These rejuvenated drives are sent on to Sugar Labs’ global distribution network to support students in places that lack computer access.

By participating, individuals and organizations contribute to several beneficial outcomes.

• First, they help reduce electronic waste, keeping plastic, metals, and circuit boards out of landfills.
• Second, they promote data security each drive is thoroughly erased before reuse, so personal information cannot be recovered.
• Third, participants directly empower children and educators: providing a low-cost, reusable computer on a stick enables access to educational software anywhere; even in areas without reliable power or internet.

Anyone with a working USB stick can donate. Three easy steps:

1. Collect your drives.
2. Ship drives to Recycle USB (California)
3. Include a note to possibly get published as a “Thank you”

This transparency reinforces trust and shows donors the collective impact tens of thousands of drives have already been processed and sent to schools worldwide.

People and organizations should take part because it’s a practical, low-effort action that yields real world benefits by supporting sustainability, ensures secure disposal of data devices, and extends educational technology to underprivileged learners. Instead of being discarded or minimally recycled for scrap, these USB drives gain a second life as powerful tools for global learning, turning a small gesture into a meaningful impact.

Is there even value to e-cycle a USB flash drive?

What’s Inside a USB Flash Drive?

A typical USB flash drive consists of three core elements: a NAND flash memory chip, a USB controller chip, and a small printed circuit board (PCB). These are enclosed in either a plastic or metal shell, sometimes with a keyring or retractable mechanism.

The NAND flash chip is the heart of the device, where all your data is stored. While NAND memory is crucial in the world of storage, it has virtually no resale value once used; especially if it’s a low-capacity chip from an older drive. A 4GB NAND chip on the secondary market, for instance, might fetch less than \$0.10 if sold in bulk, and even then it may be considered obsolete or unreliable for reuse.

The USB controller chip, which handles communication between the computer and the flash memory, is also of minimal value. These are often manufacturer-specific and not worth salvaging. They retail for pennies when purchased new in bulk, and they are even less valuable when pulled from an old device with unknown wear.

Precious Metals? Only in Trace Amounts

A common myth is that USB sticks contain gold or silver that can be extracted for profit. While it’s true that USB connectors may contain trace amounts of gold plating; particularly on the contacts to resist corrosion; the quantity is so small that recovery is only viable when processing thousands of units.

According to industry estimates, a typical PCB with gold plating may contain approximately 0.03 grams of gold per pound of circuit boards. Since a single USB flash drive weighs about 10 grams, you would need roughly 45,000 USB sticks just to yield an ounce of gold, which currently trades for around \$2,400 per ounce (as of mid-2025). That translates to roughly \$0.05 worth of gold per drive, and that’s before factoring in the cost of extraction, labor, and safety protocols.

Similarly, copper is present in the PCB traces and the USB connector, but again, the quantities are negligible. A single USB stick might yield 0.2 to 0.3 grams of copper, worth less than one cent at current scrap rates.

What About Reusing Parts?

To recycle a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) from a flash drive depends on a couple of key factors. Most important are the materials used when making the PCB and the available recycling processes once the old USB flash drive is sent for recycling.

Not that many are super interested in this, but here is the breakdown for recycling a printed circuit board from a USB flash drive:

A flash drive’s PCB is mostly made up several key materials where each material serves a specific purpose in it’s operation. Most of the device, about 60–70% consists of fiberglass or epoxy resin, which provides structural integrity. Copper traces and layers inside the PCB, making up 10–20% of the product and used as electrical conductivity for the electronics product. Additionally, electronic components such as integrated circuits (ICs), capacitors, and resistors account for 10–15% of the board’s composition – this plays a crucial role in data storage and processing. The remaining 5–10% consists of various other materials like gold plating, solder, and adhesives, which contribute to connectivity, durability, and assembly.

When recycling a USB flash drive only certain materials are truly recoverable.

Copper, which makes up about 10–20% of the PCB, is highly recyclable and is often extracted during the recycling process.

Gold, though only about 1% of the board, is valuable and found in connectors and contact pads, BUT requires specialized methods for recovery.

Silver, present in trace amounts, can sometimes be found in solder or coatings and is also recoverable.

Electronic components, which constitute 10–15% of the PCB, can sometimes be desoldered and reused, though most are shredded and smelted to extract precious metals. However, fiberglass and epoxy resin, making up the majority (60–70%) of the PCB, are difficult to recycle and typically end up as waste or are repurposed as filler material.

For example, during the PCB recycling process, copper is often separated using a combination of mechanical shredding and chemical treatments, allowing it

One way on “how to recycle a USB flash drives” is by donating it and extending the life. Just because you are done with a flash drive doesn’t mean the USB stick needs to go into a waste landfill.

As you have determined by reviewing this website, this is exactly what recycleusb.com does. We take used flash drives and recycle them. We do this by cleaning the data off the drive and donating the USB media to SugarLabs, a non-profit organization who gives USB media to kids on less fortunate countries. These kids will re-purpose or “recycle the USB media” to become their very own standalone operating system and learning center.

Our last post was from January of 2024. Here are the list of people who have recycled their old USB flash drives to a worthy cause. Along with the person, we include the state in which they came from along with the year the terriorty was ratified into a state. Just trying to mix up the content for those who visit this website (much of the same-old-same-old information).

In case you want a very short history lesson, here are the six steps required to ratify a territory into a state:

Territorial Petition: Residents of a U.S. territory petition Congress for statehood, often demonstrating a desire for more self-governance and representation.

Although the Covid pandemic is officially over, from that time, people are paying more attention to the cleanliness of things they come in contact with. Because this website is dedicated to USB technology, it’s probably worth a mention about the Microban Technology used with USB flash drives from Verbatim.

Microban technology is a type of antimicrobial technology that is incorporated into products during the manufacturing process to provide continuous antimicrobial protection against a range of microbes such as bacteria, mold, and mildew.

Microban works by disrupting the vital life processes and biological functions of microbes that come into contact with the treated surface. This disruption helps to prevent the growth and proliferation of these microbes.

Verbatim is now incorporating some of their USB flash drive products with this Microban technology. Consider the following:

If someone handles a flash drive with unwashed or unclean hands, they can transfer bacteria or other microbes onto the surface of the drive. Common bacteria from hands could include Staphylococcus aureus or Escherichia coli (E. coli).

Flash drives are often carried in pockets, bags, or purses where they can pick up dirt, dust, and other contaminants that may contain microbes. Pockets and bags are not always the cleanest environments, especially if food, tissues, or other items are stored alongside the flash drive.

The Verbatim flash drives are available from Amazon in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB capacities. The “Pinstrip” drive uses the Microban technology.

Microban technology was developed by a team led by Dr. John H. McConnell in the mid-1960s. Dr. McConnell, along with his colleagues at Microban Products Company (formerly known as Microban International), pioneered the use of antimicrobial additives for various applications, including consumer products, textiles, and industrial materials.

Here at RecycleUSB we don’t do the typical e-waste recycling, but rather repurpose the USB flash drives for a different application. To use the device to help the younger generation learn about computer technology in areas where maybe high-speed internet access and inexpensive computers are available. You can read a bit more about how the USB flash drives are recycled on the about page.

However, since you are here, below are five tips about e-waste recycling:

Electronic recycling, also known as e-waste recycling, is crucial for environmental sustainability and responsible waste management. Here are five important things to know about electronic recycling:

Environmental Impact:

Electronics contain hazardous materials such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, which can have detrimental effects on the environment if not properly disposed of. Recycling helps prevent these toxic substances from contaminating soil and water sources.

Resource Conservation:

Electronics often contain valuable and scarce resources such as gold, silver, copper, and rare earth metals. Recycling allows for the recovery of these materials, reducing the need for new mining and extraction, and promoting resource conservation.

Data Security:

Proper electronic recycling involves secure data destruction to protect sensitive information stored on devices. This is crucial for businesses and individuals to prevent unauthorized access to personal or confidential data.

Legal Compliance:

Many regions have regulations and laws in place to govern the disposal and recycling of electronic waste. It’s important to be aware of and comply with these regulations to avoid legal consequences and promote responsible waste management practices.

Global E-Waste Challenge:

The amount of electronic waste generated globally is substantial and continues to grow. Addressing the e-waste challenge requires global cooperation, proper infrastructure for recycling, and public awareness. Initiatives to promote recycling and responsible disposal practices are essential to managing the increasing volume of e-waste.

It is interesting to receive donated USB flash drives and where they’ve come from. It is clear this website finds people from all over the world. Most donations come from people inside the United States and we can only assume that is related to the inexpensive shipping cost to send us recycled flash drives.

For this round of postings to say thank you, we used chatGPT to insert the state bird for the associated location of those who donated. A lot of interesting bird names, most of which we are not familiar with. If you have donated and interested to hear your state’s bird name, look no further!

• Ursell – Katy, TX (Northern Mockingbird)
• Nathan Sobczak – Elma, NY (Eastern Bluebird)
• M Clark – Orinda, CA (California Quail) *Mentionable: Once and For All (www.onceandforall.biz)
• Unknown – Munster, IN (Northern Cardinal)
• Nathan Roaih – Reno, NV (Mountain Bluebird)
• Naomi Ford – Mansfield, CT (American Robin)
• Chris Rawlings – Cambridge, UK
• Chris McGunnigle – Hackettstown, NJ (Eastern Goldfinch)
• Unknown – Pittsford, NY (Eastern Bluebird)
• Tim Huans – Oakland, CA (California Quail)
• Gretchen Kunkel – Akron, OH (Northern Cardinal) *Mentionable: GHK Consulting (ghkconsulting.net)
• Ashley Crowe – Montgomery, AL (Yellowhammer)
• Katherine Rodeghier – Western Springs, IL (Northern Cardinal) *Mentionable: Freelance Photographer and Writer
• Sherry Woolridge – Pageton, WV (Northern Cardinal)
• Sarice Jaehn – Cardiff, CA (California Quail)
• Judith Labounty – Fort Smith, AR (Northern Mockingbird)
• Gogley – Oviedo, FL (Northern Mockingbird)
• F Henry – Boston, MA (Black-capped Chickadee)
• Janet Williams – Fenton, MO (Eastern Bluebird)
• Ursell – Katy, TX (Northern Mockingbird)
• The Binyamins – Bronx, NY (Eastern Bluebird)
• Chris Ball – Matthews, NC (Northern Cardinal)
• Makamae Edayan – Kapaau, HI (Hawaiian Nene)
• Michelle Long – Bridgeville, PA (Eastern Bluebird)
• Unknown – Salira, CA (California Quail)

The other reason we listed the state bird after each donar’s location, is that we find it challanging to simply re-write the same “thank you” each month for all the donations… but since we are on the topic, Thank you.

Our company offers a unique service that helps people donate their USB flash drives to be recycled and used by others who are less fortunate. The process is simple: people send us their unused flash drives, regardless of their condition, and we make sure to wipe any potential data on them to protect their privacy. After that, we format and test the drives to ensure they are fully functional and can be used by others.

While our approach to recycling may not be traditional, it is an effective way to reduce waste and help those in need. By redistributing unused flash drives, we can provide access to technology for those who may not have the means to purchase it themselves.

When someone receives a donated flash drive, they can use it in a variety of ways. For example, students can use them to store and transfer documents for school, individuals can use them to back up important files, and nonprofit organizations can use them to share information with their communities. The possibilities are endless, and the impact can be significant.

NAND memory is a type of non-volatile storage technology used in USB flash drives. It allows data to be stored even when the power is turned off, making it ideal for portable devices. By recycling USB flash drives, we can help reduce electronic waste and keep these valuable resources in circulation.

According to estimates, there are currently over 10 billion USB flash drives in the world. If just 0.005% of those were donated and recycled, we could provide over 500,000 refurbished flash drives for others to use. This may seem like a small number, but it can make a big difference for those who are in need of technology access.

Our company’s approach to recycling may be unconventional, but it is an effective way to help those in need and reduce electronic waste. By donating and recycling unused USB flash drives, we can extend the life of these valuable resources and provide access to technology for those who may not have it otherwise.

Since our last post, here is a list of folks who’ve sent in to recycle USB flash drives:

• Linda Candy – Chippenhave, UK
• Sara Liu – Fremont, CA
• Chris McGunnigle – Hackettstown, NJ
• Mathems – Houston, TX
• Milton Senft – Gainsville, FL
• Heather Furby – Grass Valley, CA
• Yana Ahn – New York, NY
• Damon Yee – Dale City, CA
• Tiffany O’Toole – Wilmington, NC
• Emajin Emporium – Anaheim, CA
• I.M. LLC – Moroe, CT

If interested in learning how to get involved with this unique USB flash drive recycling program, please visit our “Start Recycling” page. Continue Reading

The following list of people have recently donated their unwanted and used USB flash drives so that other people, who are less fortunate, can have access to this wonderful technology. Take a moment to appreciate those who put in the little bit of work to hopefully, make the world a little better of a place.

• Megan Schneider – Cincinnati, OH
• Claudia Leftherst – Walnut Creek, CA
• Holly Kondras – Terre Haute, IN
• Virginia Scarlett – Flintridge, CA
• Patricia Rodrigues – Littleton, CO
• Krystal Goetz – West Jordah, UT
• Chris Cameron – Braintree, MA
• Ted Stein – Bellevue, WA
• Emporium Warehouse – Anaheim, CA
• “MK” – Seattle, WA
• J Bingel – Venice, FL
• Sherry Woolridge – Pageton, WV
• Jen Roberts – Seatle, WA
• Eric Fredricks – Davenport, IA
• MCW – Geneseo, NM
• Laurin Moran – Denver, CO
• E George – Dallas, TX
• No Name – Beverly Hills, CA
• Diana Guevara – Edgewater, MD
• No Name – Pennington, NJ
• No Name – Concord, MA

Some general information about the elements of a USB flash drive which can be recycled or disposed of properly. This website does not “recycle” USB flash drives in the traditional sense, our goal is to repurpose the flash drives so less fortunate people can have access to this wonderful technology, free of charge.

Flash drives contain a variety of elements that can be recycled, such as plastics, metals, and rare-earth elements. Plastics can be recycled into new plastic products, while metals can be melted down and reused in new products. The rare-earth elements, such as neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium, and samarium, can also be recycled, though the process is more complicated and requires specialized equipment. Additionally, many flash drives contain small amounts of hazardous materials, such as lead and mercury, which must be disposed of properly.

Old plastics can be recycled into new plastics through a process called ‘chemical recycling’. This involves breaking down the plastic into its constituent parts and then reforming it into a new plastic. The chemical recycling process can be used to create a wide range of new plastic products, from packaging to bottles and containers. Additionally, chemical recycling can help reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills or the environment.

Rare earth elements, such as neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium, and samarium require specialized equipment to be recycled. This equipment typically includes shredders, smelting furnaces, and leaching systems. Additionally, the recycling process may also involve the use of chemicals and other hazardous materials, which must be handled with extreme care.

Recycling companies must properly dispose of lead and mercury in order to protect the environment and prevent contamination. Lead and mercury must be handled carefully, as they can be toxic if not handled properly. The recycling company should first isolate the lead and mercury, then place them in sealed containers for transport. The recycling company should then dispose of the lead and mercury in a hazardous waste facility, where it can be safely and properly disposed of.

Thank you for those who donated to Recycle USB for the repurposing of USB flash drive media. If you are new to the website, please visit our Mission Statement page about what we do and how our website “recycles” USB flash drives. Our service is not the assumed and traditional “recycle” process most associate with e-cycling electronics.

Most recent donations came from the quality people listed below:

• Ryan Orgera – Alexandria, VA
• Rich Sherman – Santa Monica, CA
• Victoria Kirby – Hoboken, NJ
• Scott Petty – Pittsboro, NC
• ??? – Briarcliff Manor, NY
• Mr Ferdon – Battle Creek, MI
• Coy – Boston, MA
• Angie Reyes – Bothell, WA
• ??? – River Valley, NJ
• Travis Miller – Cambridge, MA
• Donald Hardin – Riverside, CT
• Sheli Radoshitzky – Frederick, MD
• Santesh Kumar – ???
• Laura Labriola – Fairfield, NJ
• Mike Diamantes – Los Angeles, CA

Audimation Services Inc – Huston, TX – Thank you for the large three box donation; however, after testing 10 random drives, none of the drives worked or functioned in a Windows computer; therefore RecycleUSB cannot use these drives for the SugarLabs project. We will coordinate with our local electronics recycling center to properly dispose of the items. We very much appreciate the effort and wanted you to know the final resting spot for your kind gesture.

Since December of 2021 here is the list of people who’ve donated flash drives along with a picture for proof of processing. We wonder, does anyone ever check back on our site to make sure their package was received and processed?

Once again, thankless job for those putting in the effort to package up and ship out USB flash drives to be recycled.

The full list of people who recycled USB drives between our last post and today:

• Allieoop Bricks & Figs – Peoria, AZ – These folks have a unique website which is about buying used Lego blocks. Here is their webpage link for buying used Lego blocks.
• Nora Quinn – Claremont, CA
• ??? – San Rafael, CA
• Mohle Miller – Portland, OR
• ??? – Pleasanton, CA
• Laura R – New York
• Liz Welch – Raleigh, NC
• Esther Shmagin – Minneapolis, MN
• HAQ – Richardson, TX
• Jazz – Hanton, CT
• Joan Schramm – Annapolis, MD
• Stephen Byrd – Willow Springs, NC
• Jasmine Mcgurk – Roswell, GA
• Kristin Knopf – Washington, DC
• Bowers – Marysville, PA
• Weber – Tomah, WI