Affected by the continued surge in international silver prices, the recycling market for medical waste silver-containing CT films will heat up rapidly starting from December 2025.This type of film is valuable for recycling because it contains extractable silver, but it’s important to note that not all medical films contain silver.
There is data showing thatThe recycling price of silver-containing CT film per kilogram (about 12 pieces) has jumped from about 10 yuan before the price increase to 35 yuan, an increase of up to 250%.There are also recyclers that charge prices by the piece, with the price of a single piece of film rising from a few cents to 2 yuan, significantly expanding profit margins.
However, there are hidden legal risks in the silver refining process.Unauthorized use of chemical solution or traditional fire to dispose of waste film not only pollutes the environment, but is also illegal.
Previously, a couple illegally purchased waste floor plates from printing plants and hospital CT films and made more than 500,000 yuan through local refining methods, including 60,000 yuan from 27 kilograms of silver refined by themselves. During the trial of the case, one of the persons involved died and the proceedings were terminated. The remaining two were sentenced to suspended sentences and fined a total of 70,000 yuan.
In addition, there have been many cases in China where individuals were punished according to law for illegally refining precious metals.
