Environmental issues

[hoddy]

Hi
I am about to start living on a narrowboat on the UK canals and due to the fact that I will not have a permanent base I cannot really send my films (B & W) for processing so I am considering doing it myself. I have processed films many many years ago so know the process but my query is as water is not limitless I cant rinse in running water for 30 min or so. Do I have any alternatives?

Also in these more environmental concerned days how do you dispose of your chemicals?

Thanks

 

[Papercut]

Use Ilford's method. Fill tank with rinse water, put cap on, invert 5 times. Dump. Re-fill, invert 10 times. Dump. Re-fill and invert 20 times; dump.

Or some variation thereof. see: http://www.ilfordphoto.com/photocommunity/forums/theforum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=6877

EDIT: Some people, myself included, add extra cycles (e.g., 15 inversions) and / or a standing rinse at the end of the inversions. Might be "overkill" but certainly all these methods use a lot less water than a running rinse for 30+ minutes.

 

[nikon_sam]

I will rinse in running water for 5 minutes then refill tank and let it sit for 10...then repeat...
If I'm developing film that has a tint to the base I'll let it sit until the tint is no longer visible in the water when pouring it out...
So far no long lasting effects...negs are still clear...

 

[MikeL]

I follow Ilford's recommendation like Papercut. I used to run water through the tank, but that was just because someone told me to when I started, and not from any rational reason. In addition minimizing my water use here in California, I just don't want to pay for water that isn't doing anything.

 

[hoddy]

Thanks all, most useful, any comments about chemical disposal?

 

[thegman]

I'd suggest you ask your council, they should have facilities for disposing of chemicals unsuitable for dumping down the drain.

 

[aldobonnard]

Sadly in the UK, the environment is not a concern. Recycling is non existent. Like in continental Europe say 30 years ago. We have no other choice than using the drain. A shame.