Photo Chemicals Illegal in Garbage, Recycling & Drains Hazardous Waste Fixer and Toners Are HHW Used fixer and toners that contain heavy metals (like gold and selenium) should be disposed of as Household 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 do so in small quantities in order to avoid chemical reactions. Don't Dispose of in Septic System It is never okay to dispose of photographic chemicals in the septic system. A septic system is an underground tank where waste is decomposed by anaerobic bacteria. 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.