STORAGE/DISPOSAL > Overview

This section of the EVC covers the topic of hazardous waste management in an art department, specifically associated with darkrooms and/or photographic labs. A typical darkroom and/or photographic lab can potentially generate hazardous waste as a result of the photograph development process.

The most common byproduct of this process that can become a hazardous waste is "spent fixer" which is regulated by the Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005.

Processing spent fixer through a silver recovery unit can allow the material to be considered non-hazardous, however you should check with EH&S staff to determine your school's procedure on this issue. Also, unused toners, fixers, reducers, developers, intensifiers and stop bath liquid should not be poured down the drain but you should check with your schools EH&S staff to determine these materials' hazardous waste status. More information concerning waste management and reduction is presented in the "Best Practices" expanded section of this EVC section.