Hazardous (and Universal) Waste Management
Course Number: 499
Course Contents
Silver-containing Waste: Spent X-ray Developer Solution
Used developer solutions are typically considered non-hazardous waste because their silver content is usually below the regulatory level of 5 mg/L.17 In most jurisdictions, the solution may be disposed of in the municipal sewer system if the pH is within 6 to 10. The State-by-State Hazardous Waste Resource Locator provides information for specific jurisdictions.8 Used developer solution should never be disposed of in a septic system, it will destabilize the system.
Box D. Best management practices for the disposal of spent x-ray developer solution.17
Discharge spent developer solution into the sanitary sewer system if the pH is within approved limits. A. DO NOT DISCHARGE SPENT DEVELOPER SOLUTION INTO A SEPTIC SYSTEM. B. DO NOT MIX SPENT DEVELOPER SOLUTION WITH FIXER SOLUTION.
If the pH is not within regulatory limits or the oral healthcare facility is on a septic system, collect and store spent developer solution in a container labeled “Hazardous Waste - Used Developer.” A. Once the container is full, have an approved hazardous waste transporter deliver it to an approved hazardous waste management facility.
Some x-ray processing systems mix the spent developer and fixer and render the solution hazardous waste. Consider changing the equipment. It is also of note that unused developer solutions typically contain 1 to 5 percent hydroquinone. While this chemical is not considered hazardous waste by the EPA, it is neither listed nor characteristic, many state and local jurisdictions restrict its disposal. Consult the State-by-State Hazardous Waste Resource Locator.8