Photo Chemicals Illegal in Garbage, Recycling & Drains Hazardous Waste Fixer and Toners Are Hazardous Waste Used fixer and toners contain heavy metals (such as silver, gold and selenium) and should be disposed of as hazardous waste. Developer, Stop and Hypo Clear Unused and spent photographic developers and negative plate processing chemicals are generally not considered hazardous. They are safe to pour down the drain, but only on a sewer system. Do so in small quantities in order to avoid chemical reactions. Don't Dispose of in Septic System Do not dispose of photographic chemicals in a septic system. A septic system is an underground tank where waste is decomposed by anaerobic bacteria, essentially a smaller private sewer system. Only dispose of these chemicals on a sewer system, which sends wastewater through a treatment plant. Did You Know? A Literally Green Method for Printing Photographs Anthotypes is a green photography processing method that makes prints from flower petals, fruit peels and plant pigments. Find out how to make anthotypes.
