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AJS Spring 2027  |  April 4-5, 2027  |  RetailFusion April 3  | Savannah Convention Center, Savannah  |  #AJS2027

Only at Atlanta Jewelry Show

Extracting Maximum Value from Scrap: Turning Bench Waste into Real Money

Saturday

3:15 pm - 4:15 pm

This session takes an operational look at how jewelry businesses can extract maximum value from scrap and bench waste by improving how materials are handled from the bench to the refiner. Rather than treating scrap as an afterthought, it reframes recovery as a controllable, recurring revenue stream that rewards discipline and consistency.

Attendees will learn how to correctly sort scrap by metal type and karat, separate high value material from lower value waste, and manage filings, sweeps, buffs, polishing dust, and vacuum waste without cross contamination. The session highlights common handling and storage mistakes that reduce refinery payouts, along with practical container, labeling, and documentation systems that prevent loss and confusion.

The discussion also covers what refiners look for, how to prepare materials to ensure fair settlement, and how to read and reconcile refinery reports with confidence. Designed for owners, bench jewelers, and operations managers, this session provides simple, bench level habits that protect value every day and turn overlooked material into real, measurable money.