Has anyone done any developing and printing with the waste going into a septic tank.

I would love to get back into developing and priting my pictures but I'm unwilling to chance anything messing up my septic system.

thanks

Pat

-- Pat Butler (ptbutler@lycos.com), May 29, 2002

Answers

Is there an English teacher in the house? Have another look at what you wrote. I think what you were meaning to ask is: Are there problems with having the waste from the developing process going into a septic tank?. But when I first read your question I thought you seemed to be asking (from the way you worded and punctuated): Has anyone tried using the waste which would normally be going into a septic tank for developing?!!! Then I thought--wait a minute, I've heard of people using coffee grinds for developer, but this is going too far! He can't be meaning that!

-- Ollie Steiner (violindevil@yahoo.com), May 29, 2002.

Back on topic, hobbiest amounts of B&W chemistry don't appear to have any effect on a properly operating septic system. I'm talking about a roll or two of film a week, and the prints from same. If you're seriously burning up film, you should consider silver recovery from the used fixer.

-- Conrad Hoffman (choffman@rpa.net), May 29, 2002.

Kodak has a specific publication that deals with photochemicals and septic systems. They will send it to you for free if you call them. Among common photochemicals, the element of most concern for septic systems is residual silver. About 95% of residual silver is found in used fixer, with developer, stop and other chemicals containing much smaller amounts. "Pookie" is right that you should use your town or city's hazardous waste program to dispose of your waste. You may be able to reduce volume through evaporation so long as it is vented to the outside, but do not heat the chemicals. Lastly, you can reduce the toxicity of the waste you generate by using safer chemicals such as ascorbate based Kodak XTOL developer.

-- Phil Glass (Phi_Glass@yahoo.com), May 29, 2002.