developer and fixer okay for septic field?

[mdelevie]

I have a septic drainage field, so whatever I throw in the kitchen sink winds up in my back yard eventually. So before I launch into home development of B&W film, I thought it'd be prudent to ask if this is harmful to the environment?

I realize this post is somewhat similar to Shutterflower's recent post on the toxicity of the chemicals, but I didn't want to hijack his thread. Assuming I use gloves and a fan to mitigate any health risks, will souping at home damage my septic field (ie, kill off the bacteria) or poison my back yard with heavy metals?

Thanks in advance!

Mark

(the public darkroom I use right now has a silver reclamation system. They ask clients to pour the used developer into a separate 'drain' for that purpose. It's a nice facility, but not super convenient, an hour's drive each way, plus the hours are limited... and besides, there's a certain pleasure in DIY)

 

[venchka]

The Forum Search Feature turned this up:

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23185&highlight=septic+tank

Perhaps you could collect your chemicals and periodically dispose of them at the public darkroom?

 

[pvdhaar]

Does the city/town where you live have a collection or disposal facility for batteries/paint cans/pesticide cans etc.?

That may be closer by than the 2hr drive.

 

[tetrisattack]

Here's another solid thread with good advice:

http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=009YFk

Silver-laden fixer should never be flushed.

 

[canonetc]

Yeah, I would keep them seperate if possible. The other day I accidentally poured 20 ounces of developer from a tray into a half-full 1 gallon jug of fix, and my fix into my developer bottle. A strong and horrible odor of ammonia came from the chemicals, and I wondered if I accidentally made some dangerous gases. So, be careful. I don't recommend mixing the two, either accidentally or on purpose.

Chris
canonetc