SPC chemicals are used in dark rooms for developing film used in non-destructive testing, printing companies, and medical facilities.  The developing process requires the use of five different components; developer, stop bath, fixer, rinse water, and photo-flo.  Following the development of film, these chemicals must be contained and kept separate onsite for proper disposal.  

Any individual or organization is required by federal law to properly manage and dispose of their SPC.  ALX INDUSTRIES LLC provides the transportation, precious metals recovery, and disposal of these spent materials according to federal and state regulations.  The spent materials are taken to the ALX INDUSTRIES LLC warehouse in Pasadena, Texas for proper silver reclamation. 

A precious metal is a rare and naturally occurring metallic chemical element of high economic value.  The best-known precious metals are the coinage metals, gold and silver.  These precious metals are often seen as hedges against inflation and economic downturn.  

Nearly all pieces of technology available today have small traces of at least one type of precious metal, such as computer chips, printers, and film.  The recovery process involves the removal of all traces of that metal from another object.

This recovery process is important by providing environmental and economic benefits.  

Silver displays one of the four hazardous waste characteristics, toxicity.   High concentrations of silver are toxic to aquatic life and people, by way of inhalation and ingestion.  When the source’s silver concentration is greater than 5.00 ppm (mg/L), the source must be classified as a hazardous waste.  

Every spent waste that is passed to ALX INDUSTRIES LLC is kept separate.  All containers are tagged to reference the individual client and the location.  This is necessary for accepting wastes and taking the appropriate measures for tracking analytical data.

ALX INDUSTRIES LLC is flexible and will adjust the scope of work based on the client’s individual need.  ALX INDUSTRIES LLC has the ability to service and transport the SPC as well as accept drop off’s at the ALX INDUSTRIES LLC warehouse.  There are several factors to consider when deciding between the two options.  For example, depending on the size of operation, proximity to ALX INDUSTRIES LLC , and if the operation is mobile.  Ultimately, the decision is left with the client.

The frequency of servicing depends on the operational output and accumulation limits based on the generator status and state regulations.  The servicing schedule can be weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annually.  The client will request the service from ALX INDUSTRIES LLC with at least a three business day notice – unless a set rotation has been established.  If the business is in a regular rotation then a call out is not always necessary.

• Sealable containers compatible with the waste.
• Signage to indicate the spent materials being captured.
• Utility pump to transfer the SPC from the truck or processor into an onsite storage container.
• Secondary containment that is compatible with the waste having sufficient strength and capacity.

The answer to this question will depend on your state specifications, generator status, site regulations and/or company policies. Since the generator knowledge of SPC is that it’s considered a characteristic hazardous waste, it is best practice to implement secondary spill containment.  This offers an additional safe guard for the environment.

ALX has the capability to provide the equipment and materials, along with the onsite set up to capture and store the SPC.

The value of silver is based on the daily spot price.  This price varies from one day to the next.  The silver price is quoted for 1 troy ounce of fine silver.  There are various resources for tracking the silver exchange rate.  Click here to check the price of silver, along with other exchange rates.

This will depend on the type of service rendered; the processing of SPC or the recycling of film.

SPC:  The spent chemicals must undergo precious metals recovery in order to determine the amount of silver recovered and then sold back into the silver market.  This entire process can range from 7 to 45 business days.  Following the sell, our clients are on a net 30 payment schedule  when a credit is warranted.

Film:  The quality control process, recycling, and the sale of the silver yield, takes between 7 to 10 business days.  The film must be removed from any filing sleeves and sorted prior to being recycled.  Additionally, the sorting process acts as a quality control measure to ensure that the film is in recyclable condition and no other materials are present.  Following the sell, our clients are on a net 30 payment schedule.