Retention of Proceeds From Recovery of Precious Metals

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) requested a decision on whether it has authority to use proceeds from the sale of certain salvaged materials to offset the cost of replacing items which are the source of the salvage. Even though a program for the recovery of material would be desirable and in the interest of the government, USGS does not have authority under existing legislation to use proceeds from the sale of certain salvaged materials such as silver from photographic film, aluminum from lithographic printing plates, and recycled paper to offset the cost of the replacement of this material.