How Do You Recycle Old X-Ray Film?
Old X-ray film can take up a lot of room, especially when it is still stored with envelopes and paper records. California Film Recycling comes to your facility, boxes the files you have approved for removal, and takes care of the sorting. You do not need to pack everything first.
Start with the files you no longer need
Have the person in charge of your records decide which files can be removed. Check your retention policy and set aside anything still needed for patient care, an open request, or a legal matter.
Be specific about the approved area. Marking two drawers or a row of shelves is more useful than saying that everything old can go. Leave any files still under review in place.
Tell us what is in storage
A rough description is enough to start the conversation. Tell us whether the collection is medical, dental, or industrial film, roughly how old it is, and how many cabinets, shelves, or boxes it fills.
Mention paper records, envelopes, and CDs stored with the film. If you are unsure what kind of film you have, say so. You do not need to identify every sheet before calling.
Watch the one-minute guide
We handle the boxing and removal
For a facility pickup, our team comes inside and boxes the approved files where they are stored. We remove the collection and separate the film from the records, envelopes, and CDs.
Your staff can focus on identifying the right files and providing access. There is no need to empty the cabinets into boxes or pull film from its envelopes ahead of our visit.
Plan access to the storage area
Let us know about stairs, elevators, locked rooms, parking, and building check-in requirements. If files are kept in several rooms, explain which areas are included.
Choose a staff member who can show the team what is leaving and answer questions during the pickup. This is especially helpful when approved files are stored next to records that must stay.
Protect patient information
Keep medical files in secure storage until pickup. Patient details may appear on the film itself, the envelope, reports, and CDs, so the whole file needs careful handling.
Our HIPAA-compliant service includes secure destruction of patient information and a Certificate of Destruction. You can keep the certificate with your records after the job is complete.
Ask about payment and keep the paperwork
We pay by the pound for accepted film. Pricing varies with the film type, age, and amount, so call for a quote based on your collection.
After removal, save the pickup details, weight and payment records, and Certificate of Destruction together. Update your storage list so your staff knows which files were removed.
Talk with California Film Recycling
Have old film taking up space? Call California Film Recycling at (951) 822-6298 to discuss your collection and arrange the next step.