This study tried to develop an effective retrieval method for retrieving nickel from nickel plating wastewater as NiCO3, or further as metallic nickel. The operational parameters of the processes were determined and evaluated, and the economic aspect was assessed of these two methods (i.e., wet method and wet method plus thermit method) In retrieving Ni from plating wastewater as NiCO3 by wet process, the processing costs 35 NT$ per kilogram of the products, however, the NiCO3 has a market value of 172NT$ per kilogram, showing that the wet retrieving process if beneficial. On the other hand, in retrieving Ni from plating wastewater as metallic Ni by wet process combined thermit process, the market price for metallic Ni is 751 NT$ per kilogram, outperforming the cost of 35NT$ (if waste aluminum and waste acid were used) or the cost of 193 NT$ (if pulverized aluminum scrap was used).