Photography silver and gold?

[Saabman]

A friend asked if I knew anything about recycling photography gold and silver. I think that it is gold cyanide, silver cyanide, and silver nitrate. I'm sure that there are companies out there that recycle the stuff but with the word cyanide thrown in there I'm not to sure if that's something to pursue or not. Anybody here have experience with this? Thanks!

[Dr. Cadmium]

Yes, silver is the main element of interest. However, with everything going digital or already so, recycling old film, x-rays and supplies is a dying business.

[Saabman]

Thanks Dr C.! Do you know the best way of recyclng it? Can you recycle it safely?

[Dr. Cadmium]

Usually with x-rays and film I sell them to a local dealer - priced per pound they are not worth shipping in small quantities.

As for solutions - smaller refineries that do coins and jewelry usually will not process silver-containing solutions, especially anything with cyanide. You either need to get a large quantity to deal direct to a large refinery that will process it (and take a larger fee) or sell to a middleman.

If you have a small stash of old film or related silver scrap, your best bet is to check your local scrap dealers or search out any specialized recycling companies - one or more may have a branch in your area.

[Saabman]

Thanks for the info!!!