Betts Environmental, a specialist in in precious metals recovery, claims that many NHS Trusts currently lack the resources to effectively dispose of X-ray films in compliance with the Data Protection Act and that, consequently, they may be missing out on potentially lucrative revenue.
The company explained: “X-ray films contain substantial silver halide, which has a high market value if recovered correctly. Yet this precious metal is largely being lost by the NHS, perhaps because managers are unaware of this waste stream’s value.” Betts Environmental says patient confidentiality legislation requires disposal of X-rays through a competent, certified contractor. The vast majority of adult X-rays should be destroyed after eight years (except paediatric and cancerrelated X-rays, which are retained for 21 years). Once a Trust keeps X-rays beyond these periods, it is breaking the law.
