Recycling precious metals is a smart way to act environmentally friendly. Recycled gold currently accounts for about one-third of the world's annual gold production. This refers to gold that has been sold for cash, for example, from consumers' old jewelry or from companies' excess inventory and processing waste. However, it does not include gold that is exchanged for new jewelry or gift cards at a jeweler.
Although a vast amount of gold has been mined throughout history, over 190,000 tons, only a small portion of it is actively recycled. Still, recycling is important as it helps keep the gold market balanced and reduces environmental impact.
Precious metals, such as gold, silver, platinum, and palladium, retain their value well over time. This makes them excellent candidates for recycling. The value of these precious metals does not decrease with use, and they can be melted down and reused, for example, in jewelry or industry. At the same time, recycling is a great way to make money, as selling your precious metals for recycling will yield a market-based price.
Why is recycling precious metals important?
The recycling of gold and silver brings many benefits from both economic and environmental perspectives. One of the most important reasons for recycling is that it helps conserve natural resources. Mining new precious metals in mines consumes a lot of energy and resources, while recycled material is already available.
All types of recycling, including precious metals, support the circular economy. This is particularly important because precious metals cannot be replaced by other materials. Therefore, recovering existing materials is one way to reduce environmental impact.
Recycling is also economically viable. Precious metals are always valuable, and in recycling, they can be converted into cash or new metal. The price of gold and silver worldwide affects how much metal is recycled. When prices rise, people and companies are motivated to sell old jewelry for recycling. This helps keep the markets balanced.
How are precious metals recycled in practice?
Gold is primarily recycled from jewelry. Gold bars and coins are generally not recycled but are sold instead.
Most of the recycled gold and silver comes from consumers. This includes old or broken jewelry and unusable items containing precious metals. All items sent for recycling are assessed, their metal content is measured, and then they are processed back into pure precious metal. This way, old precious metals get a new life, for example, as jewelry or raw materials for industry.
Industrial recycling is a slightly more complex process than described above. This refers to the recovery of precious metals from, for example, electrical and electronic devices, dental surplus, and production by-products. The process requires specialized equipment and chemical separation methods to safely and efficiently recover the metals.
Although the share of industrial recycling is smaller than that of gold from consumers, it is an essential part of responsible metal usage.
Jalonomi's services in precious metal recycling
At Jalonomi, we offer reliable and safe recycling services for individuals and businesses. We buy items containing gold, silver, platinum, and other precious metals at market-based prices and ensure their responsible processing. Our customers receive an accurate assessment of the metal content and price, making the entire process transparent and easily traceable.
You can bring the precious metal item you wish to recycle for evaluation to our service points located throughout Finland. Alternatively, you can send your precious metals by mail.
For businesses, we offer comprehensive services surrounding precious metals – including their recycling. We purchase batches of gold, silver, platinum, and other precious metals from, for example, dentists, antique shops, and various industrial companies. We pay competitive prices based on precious metal content. Our XRF analyzer reliably measures the precious metal content of the metal batches.
Recycling precious metals is not just about melting metals, but about the continuity of value for valuable materials. An old piece of jewelry or an unnecessary item can gain a completely new purpose – and you can make money for yourself.
We are Finland's largest and most trusted buyer and seller of gold, as well as the custodian of your valuable assets.Read more hereabout our precious metal recycling services.
