Analysis of the metal content of small-size Waste Electric and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) printed circuit-boards part 1: Internet routers, mobile phones and smartphones

•Analyses of a large number (10–30) of printed circuit boards of internet routers, mobile phones and smartphones are presented and the results are compared.•For internet routers and smartphones, this may be the first time such results are presented.•Results show a high content of precious metals Ag (1200–2700 ppm) and Au (200–1000 ppm) in the PCBs of all three product types, with minor amounts of Pd, Pt and Rh.•Results show that the content of Pb has decreased significantly when comparing the newer smartphone product with the older mobile phone and this may be an effect of regulatory restrictions on the use of toxic metals in electronic products.•Cr (highest value 1200 ppm), As (highest value 141 ppm) and Be (highest value 115 ppm) were also found, while Hg and Cd concentrations were low (<1 ppm).