WASTE ORIGIN: Image Processing
WASTE TYPES: Photographic Chemicals and Silver

WASTE REDUCTION AND RECYCLING METHODS:

• Install meters (e.g., densitometer) on cameras to ensure good proofs the first time.
• Install no-discharge ("plumbingless") paper and film developing units.
• Protect process baths that spoil easily by keeping them containerized.
• Don't leave excess chemicals on films and plates to extend life of developing solution.
• Use squeegees to reduce carryover.
• Extend bath life (e.g., monitor temperature and pH of fixing bath).
• Use counter-current washing.
• Use an acid stop bath prior to the fixing bath. Add acetic acid to the fixing bath to keep pH low.
• Use floating lids on bleach and developer containers.
• Consult chemical supplier about adding ammonium thiosulfate to fixer to extend fixer bath life.
• Separate fixer from developer waste.
• Recover silver and recycle chemicals (e.g., metal replacement, chemical precipitation, electrolytic silver recovery systems, ion exchange).
• Install electrowinning unit on fix bath of photoprocessor; on first rinse, and developer waste streams.
• Use silver-free films, such as vesicular, diazo, or electrostatic types for contact operations.
• Use electronic pre-press system to prepare copy.

Sources

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