A selective scavenger for precious metals, Cell-g-PHCTMA, was prepared by the modification of a cellulose filter paper through graft polymerization of glycidyl methacrylate and subsequent functionalization of the side chain with hydroxyethyl thiocarbamate moieties. Batch techniques were employed to determine the capacity and selectivity of Cell-g-PHCTMA for metal adsorption. Results indicated that it efficiently and selectively extracted Ag(I), Pd(II), and Au(III) from their aqueous solutions. Thus, Cell-g-PHCTMA shows great potential for its practical application in the collection of precious metals.