Introduction and Newbie Questions

Hello from PA!

Long time geek and tech-enthusiast.

Looking to start e-scrapping and possibly recover precious metals.

I've hoarded quite a lot of Flatscreen TVs, PC towers, cell phones, and misc electronics.

My friend had a connection for practically endless older PC towers and electronics.
My other friend is an experienced chemist and has always wanted to try and recover precious metals.


So basically I'm wondering if it's worth the extra effort to depopulate boards and recover precious metals

or



Just sell my boards/electronics as-is to a very local buyer.


What advice do you have for an absolute beginner who has alot of resources, ambition, and friend who has extensive chemistry knowledge?

Thank you in advance!