An electroless nickel plating bath is provided that utilizes hypophosphite ions as a reducing agent and is substantially free of sulphate and sodium ions. Spent nickel in the plating bath is removed using an ion exchange resin and the remaining effluent solution is usable for manufacturing fertilizer compositions. The nickel is processed for inclusion back into the plating bath. Thus, the process of the invention allows for the indefinite use of the solutions without discharging hazardous waste.
