Refining Tips
Services / Refining Tips
Make the most of your workshop scrap
Simple collection habits can help you recover more value from precious metal waste.
Precious metals can collect in filings, bench sweeps, polishings, carpets and
sludge. Separating and storing these materials carefully helps you keep track
of your scrap and gives the refinery a clearer picture of what to expect.
Use these tips to organise your collection before sending it to CPM.
Separate by material, metal and caratage
Keep different types of scrap in separate, clearly labelled containers. Where possible, also separate material by metal and caratage.
Clean solids and filings should be kept apart from mixed waste. Store bench sweeps, floor sweeps, polishings and sludge separately so that each category can be assessed appropriately.
Label and record your collections
Label each container with its contents and keep an inventory of the material you collect. Accurate records help you and the refinery understand the parcel and its likely metal content.
Recording previous refining results can also help you understand the typical returns from your own workshop over time.
Collect bench sweeps regularly
Make a habit of sweeping your bench and lap tray. These areas can collect fine precious metal particles during everyday work.
Keep this material separate from floor waste to avoid mixing it with larger amounts of dust and debris.
Keep floor sweeps separate
Workshop floor waste generally has a lower concentration of precious metals and takes longer to process. Collect it separately from bench sweeps, clean filings and polishings.
A carpet or mat inside the workshop entrance can help collect dust and particles that might otherwise be carried outside.
Collect your sludge
Sink traps, wastewater systems and ultrasonic jewellery cleaners can collect residues containing precious metals. This material is easy to overlook when managing workshop waste.
Speak to CPM about collecting sludge and using a sink trap system in your workshop.
Check minimum quantities before submitting
Refining categories have different minimum quantities and processing requirements. Sending very small parcels may be less economical, particularly when they contain a large amount of tissue, sandpaper or other low-grade material.
Ask our team whether it would be more beneficial to continue collecting before submitting your parcel.
Understand that returns vary
The amount of metal recovered depends on the contents of your parcel and the way material is generated and collected in your workshop. Previous results can be a useful guide, but each batch is different.
Our team can help you understand the refining requirements for your material.
Free refining containers
Organise your collection from the start. Ask us about CPM’s free refining containers for your workshop waste and scrap, and keep
each material type clearly labelled and separate.