710515A new process for silver recovery from all types of X-ray film that is more effective and far more energy efficient than current processesClosedGRD Proof of ConceptInnovate UKMany waste management companies and their customers are not aware of the true value of certain waste streams. Medical and industrial X-ray films, printed circuit boards, industrial wastes and many other ‘wastes’ contain small amounts of precious metals. While many organisations separate cardboard, glass and cans for recycling, yet higher value materials are often disposed of as hazardous waste because there is a lack of understanding as to how to identify these precious metal waste streams or there is a lack of scientific knowledge and so recycling these materials seems too complicated. A prime example of this is X-ray film, which contains silver (Ag). Several major industries have stockpiled large quantities of this film. The medical industry keeps most films for between 7 and 30 years. The defence, marine, oil/gas & aerospace industries have thousands of tonnes of x-ray film taken as part of the Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) quality control of welds and cast parts in ships, submarines, tanks, aircraft, helicopters, oil rigs, pipelines, refineries and many other applications. Film is kept for the life of the equipment, but often lies forgotten in large storage facilities. We have invented a novel hydro-chemistry process to remove silver from traditional & dry view film at the same time. Further research will allow us to explore the novel process more closely, and we believe that the technology could be refined to treat most if not all dry film types, while recovering virtually ALL the silver (99+%), with very low energy consumption, especially compared to incineration. The benefits of the proposed process v. existing pyrolysis process are: • Recovery of an estimated 99% of silver • An estimated 90% saving in energy cost • 98% cut in the carbon footprint • Country of origin can retain control of metal recovered • NHS, Defence, Aerospace, Marine, Offshore industries can recover value from film • Recovery of high grade PET film worth £250 to £500/te.