Skip to Search Skip to Content Skip to Footer
Sims Lifecycle Services
  • Locations
  • Blog
  • Client Portal
  • Contact
  • English
    • Deutsch
Menu
  • For Data Centers
    • Overview
    • Cloud Data Center Services
    • Colocation Data Center
    • Ultimate Decommissioning Guide
    • SLS plays a key role in helping companies manage ongoing technology shifts in data centers. Our record of success includes working with businesses, data centers and major cloud companies to provide periodic decommissioning of older data center equipment.
  • For Businesses
    • Overview
    • ITAD Services
      • RFP Template for ITAD
    • IT Asset Recovery
    • Data Destruction
      • On-Site Data Destruction
      • Bulk Data Destruction Services
      • Storage Device Types
      • Data Destruction Standards
      • Vendor Selection
    • On-Premise Data Center Decommissioning
    • E-Waste Recycling
    • ITAD Reporting and Portal
    • Logistics
    • Equipment We Process
    • SLS provides secure and compliant global IT asset disposition (ITAD), e-waste recycling and data center decommissioning services for businesses. We refurbish, repair and restore materials for continued useful life. In addition to facilitating reuse of equipment, SLS also recycles discarded electronics, transforming waste to raw material. Recycling diverts material from landfill or incineration and provides a feedstock for making next generation products.
  • For Manufacturers
    • Overview
    • Returns Management
    • Refining
    • Certified Destruction
    • Defense Contractors
    • Recycling
    • Extended Producer Responsibility
    • Portal and Reports
    • Recycling Innovation
    • How Computers Are Recycled
    • We work with manufacturers to manage reverse logistics and recover value from returned equipment. We resell whole units, manage spare parts recovery and responsibly recycle obsolete equipment. We also work with manufacturers in managing their extended producer responsibility requirements.
  • Global
    • Overview
    • Compliance
      • GDPR FAQ
    • Client Sustainability
      • Sustainability Reporting
      • Circular Economy Explained
    • International Associations
    • Consumer E-Waste
    • Leading companies trust SLS to provide a globally coordinated e-waste recycling and ITAD single solution with a high focus on data security, regulatory and corporate compliance, value recovery and sustainability.
  • About Us
    • Overview
    • Certifications
    • Sustainability at Sims
    • EH&S
    • Equipment We Process
    • Careers
    • As a business division of Sims Limited, SLS has the global reach, expertise, and infrastructure necessary to ensure to our customers that all electronic devices are processed in a secure and environmentally responsible manner.
  • News
    • Blog
    • Videos
    • Resources
    • Infographics
    • Press Releases
    • Backed by a global network of IT asset disposition and e-recycling facilities, SLS is a leader in compliant disposition and recycling of electronic equipment. Stay up-to-date with our press releases, blog, newsletter, case studies, white papers, tip sheets, infographics and videos.

NEW! - HOW TO GUIDE: Template for Developing IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) RFP

Get Your Copy

5 Characteristics of a Strong Precious Metals Recovery Program

Molten-Gold-being-poured-into-Ingot-moulds
Menu
  • Locations
  • Blog
  • Client Portal
  • Contact
February 16, 2017
by SLS Media

Change is the only constant for businesses and engineers involved in the manufacturing of new technology. Our world is evolving with new technologies and behind most are an array of elements such as printed circuit board assemblies and connectors. As these devices change, so do the inner-workings and the elements they are made of.

Different metals including gold, silver, platinum and palladium can be retrieved from these devices however in general the newer the device, the lower the amount. Most rely on vendors to determine how much metal can be retrieved, but how can you be sure they are maximizing the return of your devices? Are you provided custom solutions that have the capacity to extract value from those unique, yet challenging materials?

While there are several refineries who can manage basic processes, not all can offer solutions to unlock value from unique or complex materials.

Here are five characteristics of a strong precious metals recovery program that will help you get maximum recovery of the precious metals retained in your materials.

  1. Simple and Transparent

Transparency is important when it comes to refining operations and financial transactions. Make sure you are able to witness your vendor’s weighing and sampling procedures. Also, try looking for a company with a simplified business approach and transparent settlements and customer transactions.

  1. Reliable and Trustworthy

A good precious metals recovery program should provide you with the comfort of being able to trust the refinery has your best interest in mind. Working with a diligent team who understands your needs specifically is important in ensuring a successful program. Try searching for a company who is publicly traded and/or that you know has policies in place regarding their business, and independent auditors.

  1. Customization

Not every customer will need the same level of service. It’s important to have a custom-tailored precious metals recovery program to address your requirements specifically and ensure maximum value recovery.

  1. Certified and Compliant

Certificates and standards can provide you with guidance in understanding the effort a company puts into ensuring and maintaining a high-quality operation. Certifications for precious metals refineries may include,

  • Responsible Recycling (R2) certification,
  • ISO 14001 certification (environmental),
  • ISO 9001 certification (quality), ITAR registration (for sensitive or proprietary materials),
  • OHSAS 18001 certification (safety) and
  • EPA and other essential operating permits.
  1. Flexible

When a refinery is managing material of value, it is always advised to work with a vendor who can be flexible in how they return value to their customers. Flexibility with financial settlements including refining terms, “per pound” purchases, pool accounts, transfers to fabricators or banks is always useful especially when you’re dealing with materials of concern.

It can take time to build trust within the industry, especially when dealing with high-value material. However finding the right vendor will help you create a smooth program and gain maximum recovery of the precious metals retained in your materials.

Learn more about precious metals recovery and refining.

Posted in: Refining (Metallurgy)
Previous Post Next Post

Circular Newsletter

Data Center Services

Learn More

Regions

  • Americas
  • Global
  • EMEA
  • APAC

Topics

Archives

Sims Lifecycle Services
  • Corporate Information
    • About Us
    • Certifications
    • Locations
  • Services
    • For Data Centers
    • For Businesses
    • For Electronics Manufacturers
    • Data Destruction
    • Global Services
  • Contact
    • Email
    • News
    • Blog
  • Sims Limited
    • SLS is a business division of Sims Limited. Discover how Sims Limited plays an integral role in the circular economy by making resources available for future use.
      Visit the Sims Limited Website
  • Other Business Divisions (external websites)
    • Sims Metal
    • Sims Resource Renewal

Sign up for our newsletter

  • Visit Us on Instagram (opens new window)
  • Visit Us on Facebook (opens new window)
  • Visit Us on LinkedIn (opens new window)
Copyright © 2025 Sims Lifecycle Services, All Rights Reserved.
  • Privacy Policy
  • Legal
  • Terms of Use