How Implant Recycling in the Cremation Industry Works

Filtering Out of Non-Organic Materials

When processing cremated remains, crematory operators are required to follow a series of steps in order to attempt to collect and separate as much non-organic material away from the remains as possible. The overall purpose of separating out metals is to make sure the remains that are given to the family are clear of any non-organic contaminants, metal or foreign materials. Non-organic waste recovered in the cremation process occurs both pre- and post-cremation. It includes, but is not limited to the following materials:

• casket hardware
• orthopedic and dental implants
• pacemakers
• defibrillators

There are many different techniques and methods to accomplish this but almost all of them are flawed. Poor technique at the processing station will result in contaminated remains, increased safety risk and significantly reduced implant recycling proceeds. All of the metal materials separated must be disposed of in accordance with state and federal standards. The best disposal method is to securely ship this material to a trusted refinery to be melted down and professionally analyzed.

Medical Prosthetics & Implant Recycling

Post cremation metal recyclers generally breakdown medical prosthetics into two categories:

1. Surgical implants (non-precious): Surgical implants, like cobalt knee/hip replacements and titanium rods and screws, as well as the material that makes the hardware, make up more than 99% of the total volume of post-cremation metals. However, it accounts for less than 1% of the recycling proceeds.
2. Dental prosthetics (precious/semi-precious): Dental prosthetics or dental implants make up less than 1% of the total volume of post-cremation metals, but account for up to 99% of the value generated from implant recycling. In other words, this is where the money is made. This is due to the fact that precious metals like gold and palladium are widely used in dental implants such as crowns, bridges, fillings and porcelain fused to metal crowns.

The Environmental & Social Impact of Implant Recycling

Recycling protects the environment by reducing the need of extracting, processing and refining natural materials. The process of recycling benefits all of mankind and future generations by preserving the earth’s precious natural resources. Implant recycling serves a role in protecting the environment when utilized properly.

Non-organic post-cremation materials are classified as “hazardous waste” by the EPA. Which means that Per Title 40 of the US Code of Federal Regulations the materials must be disposed of properly. Responsible implant recycling helps to conserve natural resources that are destroyed during mining practices. The mining of metals adversely impacts the environment through soil erosion, contamination of surface water, groundwater and soil. The process of mining can also contribute to the leakage of chemicals into the area adversely affecting the health of local residents. Air pollution is another concern. In some mining processes, there is the release of gas emissions into the atmosphere causing elevated levels of harmful pollutants into the atmosphere.

Investing in the most cutting-edge refining technologies and techniques allow us to generate the highest possible yields and recover more precious metals in the refining process. Due to these factors, implant recycling makes Direct Recycling Systems a smart best environmental choice. Contact Direct Recycling Systems today to learn more about our services.
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