EHS FACT SHEET
Film Processing and Silver Waste Generation
Photo processing and film developing systems are routinely used at The Ohio State University for activities ranging from art projects to medical research. Photo processing wastes may contain silver which is considered a toxic heavy metal by the Environmental Protection Agency. The silver is primarily present as soluble silver thiosulfate complex. Silver sulfide is present in smaller amounts. Depending on the stage from which the waste originates and the type of film processed, the silver concentration can range between 5 mg/L and 12,000 mg/L. Therefore, film processing solutions and spent rinse waters have the potential to be classified as hazardous waste.
In addition to photo processing solutions and spent rinse waters, films and negatives may contain high silver concentrations and also require management as hazardous wastes.
It is illegal to dispose of hazardous waste including silver containing waste via drains, normal trash, or any other means which would result in a release of silver to the environment or discharge to the city sewer system. Photo processing solutions and spent rinse waters generated by any department at The Ohio State University (OSU) must be processed to remove the silver before drain disposal or collected and disposed of through the Environmental, Health and Safety Department (EHS). All films and negatives must be collected and sent to EHS, or returned to the supplier for recycling.
The purpose of this fact sheet is to provide guidance to OSU faculty, staff and researchers to help them properly manage silver containing waste generated as part of their campus activities.
This fact sheet discusses the responsibilities for creating and implementing written Best Management Practices (BMPs) for addressing silver contaminated waste and where to find additional information pertaining to BMPs for silver waste.
Responsibilities
Departments are responsible for identifying those areas where film processing is conducted and ensuring that all hazardous silver-bearing photographic waste is managed appropriately.
Generator(s) shall be responsible for managing all wastes in accordance with this policy, as well as all Federal, State, and local laws. If silver recovery equipment is utilized, then the Generator(s) shall ensure equipment is properly maintained in accordance with any equipment design specifications or other responsibilities as defined within a service agreement established between the Generator and vendor. Generators discharging developer waste to a sanitary drain must meet the requirements of City of Columbus rule 97.01
Environmental Health and Safety EHS will ensure proper guidance for the management of hazardous silver-bearing photographic wastes which complies with local, state, and federal laws and regulations has been generated and disseminated. EHS will assist Generators and Departments in the selection of proper silver recovery equipment. EHS will ensure the proper disposal of Generator’s containerized hazardous wastes.
Silver Waste Handling Procedures
If you generate silver contaminating waste, EPA Regulations and Columbus City Ordinance require proper management of the waste
- Used films shall be collected and sent for reclamation and/or recycling through the EHS department. Requests can be made online via www.ehs.osu.edu
- Spent film processor chemicals (fixer and developer) shall be collected for subsequent treatment and/or disposal.
- Waste collection containers shall be provided with secondary containment.
- Waste accumulation containers and secondary containments should be routinely inspected for spills and leaks.
- Waste collection containers must be labeled as to their contents.
- Waste disposal shall be coordinated through the EHS department at www.ehs.osu.edu or at (614) 292-1284.
- Users of silver recovery units shall treat all collected film processing waste prior to discharge to the sanitary system.
- Silver recovery units shall be operated and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Silver recovery units shall be inspected for proper operation prior to each use.
- Efforts should be made to coordinate processing the materials from multiple film processor units at once to reduce the amount of testing needed.
NEED MORE INFORMATION?
Rules and Regulations Ohio EPA Regulations