Frequently Asked Questions

Uncompromising integrity, trust and credibility are the pillars of Rochester Silver Works, LLC. Our knowledge of the precious metal refining and film recycling operations, respective businesses and markets provides you a competitive edge as our business partner. This relationship allows us to provide you with the highest possible return on your material. RSW is not a middleman or consolidator. All of our refining terms are customized based on the type of material and the quantity, so you get the best deal possible.

Net weight for settlement calculation is determined by RSW’s weight measurement system. This weight measurement system is a combination of information generated from certified and calibrated scales at RSW and RSW’s size reduction supplier.

See the Material Purchased list. There is a broad list of films RSW accepts; however, film is typically classified as being post manufacturing or post consumer.

Depending on the type and quantity of material, RSW will accept many silver-bearing materials for silver refining, recovery, and recycling. If RSW cannot accept your silver bearing materials for refining we will provide you with a reputable refiner (typically in the same geographic region).

RSW will conduct sampling of each lot of film received. Samples will be assayed for silver content via Corrective Fire Assay at our in-house laboratory. Unused samples will be archived and will be held for 60 days for any dispute resolutions.

Corrective Fire Assay is normally used; however, RSW operates a multi-functional on-site analytical support staff that also uses other techniques such as high purity titrations, inductively couples plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) or arc emissions spectroscopy (AES) by difference. Like the film samples, unused samples will be archived and will be held for 60 days for any dispute resolutions.

Silver prices used for settlement is based on the London Fix; however, settlement terms are customizable.

All silver or film recycling/refining terms are customized based on the type, quantity, and quality of material forwarded; but, any payments will be wired via an electronic transaction to a specified account. Generally, electronic transaction settlements occur between 15-45 days pending material composition and day of receipt.