Abstract: A separation process including providing a flexible belt photoreceptor comprising a photoconductive layer on the outer surface of a flexible metal belt substrate, the photoconductive layer including amorphous selenium or selenium alloy, transporting the substrate through an arcuate path having a small radius of curvature to apply stress to the photoconductive layer, and abrasively removing substantially all of the selenium or selenium alloy remaining on the substrate. This process may be carried out in an apparatus which includes at least one member having an arcuate surface with a small radius of curvature, means to transport the belt photoreceptor in an arcuate path over the arcuate surface, and abrasive means adapted to to contact and remove substantially all of the photoconductive layer from the substrate.