X-Ray Recycling: Protecting the Environment & Patient Privacy

Recent years have seen an emphasis on "going green" or using practices in homes and work spaces that respect the environment. Recycling x-rays is not only a practice in respecting the environment, but in respecting private patient information. There are two recyclable materials in an x-ray: silver and plastic, and sometimes paper if the x-ray has been left in an envelope. There are many companies that will pick up and recycle x-rays or allow you to box and ship the x-rays directly to them. Most of these companies charge a fee to pick up the x-ray films, but often they will pay for the x-rays received and deduct that from the pick-up fee.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with internet access
• Shipping boxes or packages

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Instructions

Recycling X-Rays

• 1

  Find an x-ray recycling company on the internet using a search engine such as Yahoo! or Google. Use the keywords "x-ray recycling."

• 2

  Choose a company that serves your area with pick-ups or any company that allows you to ship, as you prefer.

• 3

  Follow the x-ray recycling company's guidelines for boxing or otherwise packaging your x-rays for pick-up or for shipping.

• 4

  Arrange the pick-up or ship as instructed.