Recycling Old Photographs

[Daij]

I have hundreds of old photographs.
I am wondering if they can be recycled - perhaps the chemicals can be extracted or something.
Anyone know if this can be done and who may be good people to contact to get this done?

[Mamyalynne]

I doubt most Councils would have such a scheme but you could ring yours to check.

They may be of local interest to a History group? - or something similar.

[Buenchico]

While it's theoretically possible to recycle the silver content from old photos, there are very few facilities which can actually do so. (It's very specialised job).
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2011/jan/04/recycle-photographs-negatives

If your photo collection includes things like village fetes or works outings you might find that a local history society might be interested in adding them to their collection.

The art students at your local college might find a use for them (e.g. in collages).

The one thing you should definitely NOT do with them (unless your local council advises otherwise) is to put them in your recycling bin. Both traditional silver-based photos and modern inkjet ones can't be handled by most recycling facilities and contaminate recycling loads.
https://www.recyclenow.com/what-to-do-with/photographs-1

[Sam1960]

Daij, Know this is not what you asked for, but is this link any good ?
https://www.recycleforwales.org.uk/what-to-do-with/photographs-0

[Daij]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions