Civil Agencies Should Save Millions By Recovering Silver From Photographic Wastes
Abstract
Many civil agencies continue to pour silver laden photographic solutions down the drain. The Department of Defense, however, has an effective recovery program to stop further dumping of silver. Several civil agencies are using the Defense program, and GAO recommends that other agencies join the program for effective silver recovery. Defense should take whatever steps necessary to accommodate additional civil agencies. The General Services Administration needs to revise its regulations to clarify that silver recovery is required in all Government photo laboratories. In addition, the heads of civil agencies should take appropriate action to inform laboratory managers of the importance of silver recovery and require internal audits to identify laboratories with poor internal controls and wasteful practices. These actions, along with wider use of the Defense program, would conserve a valuable resource, prevent possible environmental harm, and save millions of dollars.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 31, 1981
- Accession Number
- AD1176087
Entities
People
- Milton J. Socolar
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office