Photo Chemicals

Hazards

Silver may be found in significant concentrations in fixer solution. Silver is a toxic contaminant that can disturb the biological action of a sewage treatment plant and harm aquatic life such as fish and other organisms.
Some fixer solutions are corrosive and can burn skin and eyes.
Some individuals are allergic to sulphites in photoprocessing solutions.

Handling

Protect eyes from splashes and skin from direct contact.
Store solutions in plastic buckets or bottles. Keep containers tightly closed when not in use.
Clearly label containers with the contents.
Store materials in a secure area that is locked and out of reach of children.
Keep dark room ventilated when using photographic chemicals.

Management Options

Photographic waste liquids should NOT be poured down the drain if connected to a septic system.
In sewered areas, developer and rinse solutions may be poured down the drain.
Some local photo processing businesses may accept silver bearing fixer waste for recycling and Management.
Take spent fixer solutions to a hazardous household waste collection or commercial hazardous waste facility.
A list of several private companies in Massachusetts that provide photographic waste recovery services can be found below.

Photographic Waste Recyclers in Massachusetts
Ecology Recovery Systems	330 Tacoma St.,Suite 4 Worcester, MA 01605 508-852-8451
Freedman, Joseph Co. (DBA Solution Services)	40 Albany St. Springfield, MA 01101 413-781-4444
J.B. Silva Co.	61 Nichols St. Danvers, MA 01923 978-777-2020
National Waste Management, Inc.	362 Putnam Hill Rd. Sutton, MA 01509 508-476-1900
Safety-Kleen	PO Box 5432 Salisbury, MA 01950 978-465-8900 PO Box 36 Marlboro, MA 01752 508-481-3116 PO Box 337 Bridgewater, MA 02324 508-697-4667 PO Box 750 W.Brookfield, MA 01585 508-867-7184

Note: This list is not an endorsement of the services of any listed company. This list was compiled by the Department of Environmental Protection in September 2004. It may not be a comprehensive list.