I think even the big. guys have a number they shoot for in the recovery, and that is not 100%. You have to do the logistics of many aspects of the whole process, then find the number that makes the most economical sense. Small guys just kind of wing it to see if they can make a profit, many times cutting corners that ends up with life long health problems, as well as polluting to varying ends. Refining Karat Gold, or Silver, IE high grade material, can. be done with a fairly small investment, for profit. Big industrial scrapping makes money on volume, with a smaller profit margin, than the previously mentioned business plan.