Microfilm and Microfiche Recycling Review
Some silver-gelatin microfilm originals and microfiche masters contain recoverable silver. Other microform processes and duplicate copies may not. We review the process and condition before confirming whether this archival film fits a pickup.
Check pickup in your Bay Area city
Original microfilm, fiche and archival masters
Microfilm is usually roll film; microfiche is a flat sheet of reduced images. Both formats can use a silver-gelatin emulsion, but the format alone does not tell you how much silver is present. Silver-gelatin originals or masters may be different from diazo or vesicular duplicates, positive copies and non-film microforms.
The University of Illinois Preservation Self-Assessment Program describes silver-gelatin, diazo and vesicular microforms as distinct processes. A U.S. Department of Defense film-recovery manual also distinguishes silver-bearing microfilm masters from copies that do not contain silver. Those differences make a process check important before quoting.
If the material is jacketed or sleeved, leave it intact. We do the sorting and boxing for the agreed pickup; an archive does not need to be unpacked and classified by your staff first.
Protect the archive before recycling
Microfilm can hold unique records with long retention periods. Have the records owner confirm that the original or master is eligible for destruction before releasing it. Do not assume a duplicate is the only copy; ask your archivist or records manager to verify the retention and preservation status.
Microfilm recycling questions
Do you buy microfilm or microfiche?
We review silver-bearing archival microforms, especially silver-gelatin originals or masters. We confirm process, amount and pickup before accepting them.
Are microfilm copies silver-bearing?
Some copies use diazo, vesicular or other processes and may contain little or no recoverable silver. The process label and image type can help distinguish them; ask before scheduling.
Should I take the film out of jackets?
No. Leave sleeves and jackets in place. We sort the agreed accepted load during pickup.
Can I recycle microfilm with protected or confidential records?
Only after your records authority approves destruction. Tell us if secure handling or written destruction documentation is required before pickup.