Before you pour photographic chemicals down the drain or throw material in the dumpster or over the side, you must be certain that you are not violating any hazardous material handling or disposal procedures. You should be completely familiar with the environmental protection standards and the Ship's Hazardous Material List for all items that apply to your command. EPA regulations state that anyone violating environmental protection regulations can be personally accountable and fined. When you have ANY doubt, ask your supervisor before disposing of the material(s).

The MSDS provide information on how to neutralize and clean up spill containment of photographic chemicals. When handling and cleaning up chemical spills, be sure you follow all safety precautions mentioned previously. It is important that any chemical spill be cleaned up immediately because many chemicals are extremely corrosive. These chemicals may damage or stain the surfaces with which they come into contact. Consult your local directives on disposing of materials used to clean up chemical spills as well as the chemicals themselves.

SILVER RECOVERY

Silver contained in photographic emulsions and used fixers and bleaches are considered hazardous material. Silver recovery was established originally to reclaim the silver from these materials and reclaim for money that was returned to the Department of Defense. Today, however, when not performed, silver recovery could be very costly in the fines that may occur when photographic materials are not disposed of properly. Be certain that you know the proper handling procedures for photographic materials that contain silver.