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Hazardous (and Universal) Waste Management
Silver-containing Waste: Spent X-ray Developer Solution

Course Author(s): Shelly Feiwell, CDA, EFDA; Ronald L. Occhionero, DDS

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
  1. Discharge spent developer solution into the sanitary sewer system if the pH is within approved limits.
    • DO NOT DISCHARGE SPENT DEVELOPER SOLUTION INTO A SEPTIC SYSTEM.
    • DO NOT MIX SPENT DEVELOPER SOLUTION WITH FIXER SOLUTION.
  2. 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.”
    • 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

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