Abstract: This invention is a combination of a silver recovery apparatus, a silver solution source, and a holding tank. The solution accumulates in the holding tank to a given quantity. Then this quantity is reached, a switch activated by a float member operates a valve device in a pipe or conduit connecting the tank and the silver recovery apparatus, allowing flow of the solution from the holding tank to the silver recovery apparatus. A flow metering valve is also provided in the conduit from the holding tank to the silver recovery apparatus to control the rate of flow therethrough. The switch activated by the float member also operates the silver recovery apparatus. Therefore when there is sufficient silver solution in the holding tank, the silver recovery apparatus is put in operation and silver is recovered from the solution under optimum quantity and quality control.