Photographic materials
Disposal for Businesses
Disposal requirements vary
Wastes from film development include fixer, developer and stop solution. The disposal methods differ depending on your sewer connection.
Sanitary sewer:
- Fixer contains high levels of silver and cannot go down the drain. Collect it in an airtight container and bring it to one of the hazardous waste collection sites listed below (eligible businesses only). You can also put fixer through a silver recovery process or contract with a hazardous waste disposal vendor.
- Used developer can go down the drain.
- Used stop solution, if it is not mixed with fixer, can go down the drain. Take stop solution that is mixed with fixer to one of the hazardous waste collection sites below (eligible businesses only). You can also put fixer through a silver recovery process or contract with a hazardous waste disposal vendor.
Septic:
- No photographic chemicals can go down the drain.
- Collect the chemicals in separate air-tight containers and bring them to one of the household hazardous waste sites listed below (eligible businesses only). You can also put fixer through a silver recovery process or contract with a hazardous waste disposal vendor.
The following are requirements for eligible businesses to take their waste to a hazardous waste collection site:
- All containers must be 5 gallons or less
- Total waste limit: 25 gallons or 220 pounds per trip
- Businesses must bring a completed disposal form to the disposal location
- Businesses are allowed a maximum of four visits per year
Does my business qualify for no-fee disposal?
Your business may be eligible to receive no-fee hazardous waste disposal up to four times a year if you are a Small Quantity Generator (SQG).
To qualify, your business must:
Be located in King County
Produce
less than 220 lbs (about 25 gallons) of hazardous waste per month
Produce
less than 2.2 lbs (about a quart) of acutely hazardous waste per month
Store
less than 2,200 lbs (about four 55-gallons drums) of hazardous waste
This program is for King County businesses that generate less than 220 lbs of hazardous waste monthly and less than 2.2 lbs of certain Extremely Hazardous Wastes, and are Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity of Generators under Washington State Department of Ecology Dangerous Waste Regulations (WAC 173-303).
Please see additional disposal limits and restrictions here.
Hazardous Waste Disposal Locations
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North SeattleSunday – Tuesday
12550 Stone Ave N Seattle, WA 98133
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.Closed on July 4, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
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South SeattleThursday – Saturday
8100 2nd Ave S Seattle, WA 98108
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.Located next to the transfer station.
Closed on July 4, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. -
FactoriaTuesday – Friday, Saturday and Sunday
13800 SE 32nd St. Bellevue, WA 98005
8 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Tues-Fri), 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Sat-Sun)The Factoria facility is located at the transfer station. Closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Years Day.
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AuburnSaturday – Sunday
1101 Outlet Collection Way, Auburn, WA 98001
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.The Auburn Wastemobile location is open on weekends, year-round. Marine flares are not accepted at this location.
Located near the loading dock of Nordstrom Rack. In 2024, this location is closed Nov. 30, Dec. 1 and Dec. 28-29.
