Civil Agencies Should Save Millions by Recovering Silver From Photographic Wastes
PLRD-81-48
Published: Jul 31, 1981. Publicly Released: Jul 31, 1981.
Skip to Highlights
Highlights
Many Government agencies continue to waste money and a valuable natural resource by discarding silver-laden photographic wastes. By using inexpensive and easy-to-operate equipment in their photographic laboratories, these agencies could recover silver that frequently is being poured down the drain. The Government saves money by recovering silver because its market value is far greater than the costs to recover it. GAO conducted a review to determine whether problems continued with ineffective or nonexistent silver recovery programs in Government agencies.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| General Services Administration | The Administrator of General Services should clarify the Federal property management regulations to emphasize that silver recovery is required in all Government photographic laboratories. |
Closed
Please call 202/512-6100 for additional information.
|
| Heads of Federal Agencies | The heads of Federal agencies should: (1) emphasize the importance of effective silver recovery to management officials having responsibility for photographic laboratories; (2) require periodic internal audits of photographic laboratories to identify waste and poor internal controls; and (3) join the DOD precious metals recovery program where this would be more cost effective than starting and maintaining their own programs. |
Closed
Please call 202/512-6100 for additional information.
|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should take the necessary actions to accommodate additional civil agencies desiring to join the DOD program. |
Closed
Please call 202/512-6100 for additional information.
|
Full Report
Office of Public Affairs
Topics
Cost controlInternal auditsInventory controlLaboratoriesMineral resourcesPhotographyProgram evaluationProperty and supply managementScrap metalsWaste management