STORAGE/DISPOSAL > Overview

This section of the EVC covers the topic of hazardous waste management in a medical area, specifically associated with developer/fixer disposal. A typical medical institution within a university setting can potentially generate wastes as a result of developer/fixer waste, radiographic x-rays, photochemicals, film processing, scrap film, discarded imaging films, fixer solutions and outdated chemicals. Depending on the composition of these materials, they may be considered hazardous waste by characteristic (for example, corrosive) and/or be listed wastes due to their metal content.

Processing spent developer/fixer (and other silver containing material for that matter) 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. Some hospitals/dental facilities have on-site silver recovery units, while other facilities contract this to a licensed contractor. More information concerning waste management and reduction is presented in the "Best Practices" section of this EVC section.

Continue further along the EVC tour and learn more about storage/disposal requirements.