X-ray films contain silver in the form of halides, which can be extracted and converted into pure silver. Some organisations will accept x-rays for recycling.
National drop-off recycling points
Siltech
Licenced by the EPA and have recycling centres in VIC & QLD. National phone number: (03) 9357 9540.
CMA Ecocycle Australia
National phone number: 1300 32 62 92. No fees apply.
The above organisations will accept all x-ray film that can be sent directly to them or one of their drop-off locations.
Drop-off recycling points in NSW
CMA Ecocycle
22 Christie Street, St Marys, 2760. Phone: (02) 9833 4155. No fees apply.
The above organisation will accept all x-ray film that can be sent directly to them or one of their drop-off locations.
Shred-X
32 Bowden Street, Alexandria, 2015. Phone: 1300 747 339. Fees apply.
Liverpool Community Recycling Centre
99 Rose Street, Liverpool, NSW.
Randwick Community Recycling Centre
72 Perry Street, Matraville, NSW.
Newcastle Museum
6 Workshop Way, Newcastle, 2300. Tuesdays to Sundays: 10am - 5pm. Residential quantities ONLY. No fees apply.
Medical Imaging Department - Children's Hospital Westmead
Phone: (02) 9845 2931. No fees apply.
Calvery Mater Hospital
Radiology Department, Edith St & Platt St, Waratah, 2298. Phone: (02) 4921 1211.
Northern Sydney Community Recycling Centre
8 Waltham Street, Artarmon, 2064. Phone: (02) 9936 8100.
Willing & Able Foundation
NGO supporting people with disabilities. 39 Jindalee Road, Port Macquarie, 2444. Phone: 02 6581 0939.
Sutherland Hospital X-Ray Dept
430 Kingsway, Caringbah, 2229. Phone: (02) 9540 7111.
Scout Groups
There are a number of scout groups in NSW that accept x-rays for recycling. Your x-rays can be slipped under the door of the scout hall at any time, or you can contact the scout group directly.
Scout Groups in NSW collecting X-Rays include:
Batemans Bay Scout Group (1st)
End of Pacific Street, Batemans Bay. Contact: Anne Jackson (02) 4471 1780.
Ballina Scout Group (1st)
Canal Road, Ballina. Contact: Rodney Bray 0499 146 892. Email: ballinaventurersleader@gmail.com
Scout Hall open for meetings on Mondays from 5.30pm to 8pm and Wednesdays from 5.30pm to 8.30pm.
Collection service
Email for collections Xray@siltechpmr.com.au
There is a collection fee that will be quoted depending on location and quantities.
About X-Ray Recycling
- X-ray films 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.
- The silver can then be reused for things such as silver solder, jewellery, the silver plating of utensils, electrical components and film manufacture.
- CMA EcoCycle Australia and Siltech will safely and confidentially destroy your records, however if you dispose of these yourself send just the film.