Plastic film recycling is an important part of many company’s records management plan.
But, it must be done in the right way or risk heavy penalties. For industries like healthcare, there are unique challenges around document disposal because of data security. But the amount of x-ray and other film is of real concern to hospitals and clinics. Without the resources to understand how best to manage that kind of documentation, many smaller businesses may be making critical mistakes as they choose a film recycling company.
As you research what company to partner within this area, consider not only the data but the resource as well. Here are a few things you should know about managing film documentation.
Toxins and Their Impact on the Environment
Medical film disposal is a federally regulated act as most x-rays and film contain silver. Silver is toxic to microorganisms which are the foundation of the natural food chain. It is very important to prevent silver film coatings from seeping into groundwater, streams or rivers to prevent toxins from contaminating fish and water supplies. For these reasons, film must be properly handled and disposed of to avoid any negative environmental impacts of its use and disposal.
Plastic Film Recycling Done Right
Film recycling is an option for disposing of medical film in a way that both protects the information contained within and the environment at the same time. Happy Faces has been providing film recycling services for the medical industry for more than 20 years. Our process meets both EPA and HIPAA standards for disposal and management of these sensitive documents. Here’s how we do it at Happy Faces Records Management:
Step 1. Separate paper from film and shred all PII from x-ray jackets.
Step 2. Grinders reduce film into particle flakes only a half-inch in size making the film unusable and the information contained within incomprehensible.
Step 3. The film particles are tested to measure silver content.
Step 4. Silver coatings are separated from film through a four stage process of chemical burns.
Step 5. The emulsified silver and other coatings are sent to settling tanks. Plastics are then cleaned and sent to recycling companies for reuse in clothing and packaging.
Step 6. The emulsion mixture is processed to allow the silver to precipitate and the water is then recycled.
Step 7. The remaining silver is roasted to ash and all traces of water and other impurities are removed.
Step 8. The ash is then smelted until the silver liquefies and cast into ingot molds to cool. The final product is then sent to silver refiners for further processing.
This highly detailed process ensures that the film is disposed of in a secure and environmentally friendly manner, while silver is recycled and sent out for reuse.
For more tips on how to effectively manage plastic film recycling, connect with a Happy Faces Records Management representative today.
