Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. It is not just for your old newspapers and soda cans anymore. Recycling companies work to repurpose everything from old cell phones to old boats now. Some of these items, like old computer parts or camera film, can be harmful to the environment when simply disposed. Recycling is a safe way to get rid of what you no longer need and give back to the earth. Silver recyclers work towards to help accomplish this goal.
The thought of recycling silver may cause you to think of those common “We buy gold!” commercials and stores that beg customers to bring their old jewelry, promising top dollar for stuff you no longer want. While this is one profitable method of “recycling” old silver jewelry, there is a truer sense of recycling silver that involves more than an old bracelet or chain.
Those unfamiliar with silver recycling may wonder why anyone would get rid of a valuable metal. Much of the silver that must be disposed of and is recycled is silver used in photography. After the metal is used during the process of photography it is a great candidate for recycling. Doing so may even result in a bit of profit if the metal is recovered and restored so that it can be sold.
Silver exists in more than fine jewelry. In addition to photography, the metal is used in computer parts and other electronic scraps. With a computer’s average life estimated at between 3 and 5 years, there are a great many electronic parts that are disposed of. In 2000, 20 million computers were retired. Of the fraction that was disposed of, less than 6% were recycled.
More than a decade later, imagine how much silver has been improperly disposed of. When silver is carelessly tossed in the garbage, it can be harmful to the environment, which is why it is important to make use of silver recyclers who follow a careful procedure.
You can do your own part by taking your unwanted photos to a photography store. There, they will use a process called electrolysis to extract the silver from the photographs. When you no longer have a use for your old computer, consider donating it to a friend or organization that may be in need of computers. If it is no longer in working condition, contact the manufacturer to find out how to send the product to the recycling program. Likewise, you can recycle your old cell phones.
Taking the time to properly recycle items like jewelry, photographs, and electronics will contribute to the earth and allow silver to be reused in new products. In the long run, silver recyclers help save the economy money and protect the environment from harmful waste.