Photographic materials

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.

The following are requirements for eligible businesses to take their waste to a hazardous waste collection site:

• All containers must be 5 gallons or less
• Total waste limit: 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