The disclosed embodiments are directed to a method for removing photoreceptor coatings from a rigid substrate, wherein the photoreceptor coatings disposed over a substrate of an electrophotographic photoreceptor, in order to recover it for re-use in photoreceptor manufacturing. More specifically, the invention discloses a photoreceptor substrate recovery methodology that includes the creation of an inner release layer over the substrate and followed by subjecting the rejected or used electrophotographic photoreceptor to a step of soaking in a non-toxic and environmentally-friendly stripping solution that separates the coatings from the substrate.