Everything you need to know about recycling x-rays
X-Rays includes:
Radiographs
Radiological images
X-ray images
X-ray films
Radiographic images
Roentgenograms
FIND A RECYCLER
Learn more about recycling x-rays
How to recycle x-rays
X-rays should not be put in recycling bins at work or home. They can only be recycled through specialised recycling services. Use the directory on this page to find a commercial recycler that accepts x-ray film.
Why recycle?
X-ray films contain silver in the form of halides, which can be extracted and converted into pure silver. Silver is a critical component of a range of technologies, especially medical and electrical. Due to the demand, silver is still regularly sourced through mining. Extracting the silver from old x-rays and recycling it reduces the demand for new resources to be extracted from the earth.
What happens to them?
X-ray films that have been collected for recycling are processed in a refinery to extract the silver. The x-ray films are heated using temperatures of over 1,000 degrees celsius. The silver is extracted and converted into a more pure silver form so it can be used to make new products such as silver solder, jewellery, the silver plating of utensils, electrical components and film manufacture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can old x-ray film be recycled?
Yes – your old x-rays can be recycled, but not via your household or workplace recycling bin. Use the information on this page to find a commercial recycler that accepts x-rays.
