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Photographic materials
Disposal guidance for eligible businesses
Disposal requirements vary
Wastes from film development include fixer, developer and stop solution. The disposal methods differ depending on your sewer connection.
Sanitary sewer:
- Fixer contains high levels of silver and cannot go down the drain. Collect it in an airtight container and bring it to one of the hazardous waste collection sites listed below (eligible businesses only). You can also put fixer through a silver recovery process or contract with a hazardous waste disposal vendor.
- Used developer can go down the drain.
- Used stop solution, if it is not mixed with fixer, can go down the drain. Take stop solution that is mixed with fixer to one of the hazardous waste collection sites below (eligible businesses only). You can also put fixer through a silver recovery process or contract with a hazardous waste disposal vendor.
Septic:
- No photographic chemicals can go down the drain.
- Collect the chemicals in separate air-tight containers and bring them to one of the household hazardous waste sites listed below (eligible businesses only). You can also put fixer through a silver recovery process or contract with a hazardous waste disposal vendor.
Disposal restrictions:
- All containers must be 5 gallons or less
- Total waste limit is 25 gallons or 220 pounds per trip
- Businesses must bring a completed disposal form to the disposal location
- Businesses are allowed a maximum of four visits per year
Frequently-Asked Questions
Your business is eligible to receive no-fee hazardous waste disposal up to four times a year if it is:
- Located in King County
- A Small Quantity Generator (SQG), meaning that you do all of the following:
- Produce less than 220 pounds (about 25 gallons) of hazardous waste per month
- Produce less than 2.2 pounds (about a quart) of acutely hazardous waste per month
- Store less than 2,200 pounds (about four 55-gallon drums) of hazardous waste
If your business exceeds the noted limits, you may require special disposal services via a private hazardous waste management firm. We can help! Call us at 206-296-4692.
Eligible businesses should plan to fill out a business disposal form to qualify for no-fee disposal at any hazardous waste collection site.
- Complete the form. You can find a digital copy online, or download the PDF. Print two copies and bring them with you to your preferred collection site.
- Prep for disposal. Keep items in their original containers and label those products that are unmarked. Be careful not to mix different types of waste and secure items so they do not spill or tip over during transport.
- Drop off your hazardous items. Bring your items to a disposal collection site. There’s no fee—the service is funded through your utility bill.