Waste Management Guidance for Photographic and Negative
Printing Plate Effluents
This document addresses frequently asked questions concerning disposal of Kodak鈥檚 Graphic
Communications Group (Kodak GCG) photographic and negative printing plate effluents.
Photographic and negative plate making effluents vary in composition because there are many different
types of film and plate processes and because no two operations function in the same manner.
Photographic and plate processing operations vary greatly in daily operating time, volume of effluent, and
ratio of processing wastes to both sanitary waste and cooling water in the effluent.
Generally, unused and spent photographic developers and negative plate processing chemicals are
considered non-hazardous waste under Federal RCRA regulations for disposal purposes. However,
different sewerage authorities may limit or prohibit discharges on a local level. For these reasons, the only
way you can be sure you are in compliance and may discharge directly to the sanitary sewer system is to
have your effluent tested and compare the results to your local sewer code. Obtain a copy of the sewer
code from your local receiving sewerage authority and read it. Have your effluent tested to make sure that
you are in compliance with the code. If you find that you are not in compliance, you may need to do some
sort of on-site waste treatment, which may require a permit, or have your waste hauled away.
Photographic effluents especially fixers contain silver, which is regulated under RCRA. Silver can be
removed using silver recovery equipment. A typical effluent of spent plate making solutions may include
metals that are normally present in water. Common sources of metals in a typical water supply are
drainpipes and pipe coatings, among other things.
Regulatory Summary
鈥? The disposal of photographic and printing plate effluents is regulated by environmental regulations
under the Clean Water Act (CWA) and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).
鈥? According to federal RCRA waste management regulations, permits may be required to treat waste
and regulations vary among states.
鈥? Individual sewerage authority permit parameters and the sewer use law may limit or prohibit
discharges on a local level.
鈥? Discharge to a septic system is typically unacceptable. A permit issued by the EPA or State
Authorities is required.
Eastman Kodak Company Graphic Communications Group Health, Safety & Environment
EnviroServices Hotline: +1.877.574.7274 (US and Canada) or +1.770.232.2133 (Int鈥檒) Email: PEP@kodak.com
Publisher: Pradip Gopal Author: Pradip Gopal Publication #: 56 Date: 01/26/07 1
Waste Management Guidance for Photographic and Negative Printing Plate Effluents
Disposal Options Summary
鈥? Discharge to the sanitary sewer system.
鈥? Ask your local Sewerage Authority for the local Sewer Codes or local Sewer Ordinances if
not already on their existing permit.
鈥? Test the effluent to verify that it will not affect the compliance status with local ordinances.
If compliance is effected, pre-treating the effluent may be an option. Typical pre-treatment
activities include elementary neutralization and silver recovery.
鈥? Collection and haul away service.
鈥? If you are not in compliance and pre-treatment is not an acceptable option for you, collection and haul
away is necessary. A discount for Kodak customers is available with Safety-Kleen.
Notice To Users Of CTP and Positive Plate Developers
If you use CTP or positive plate developers, please call the EnviroServices Hotline and request treatment
and disposal information regarding these products. CTP and positive plate developers typically have high
pHs. The wastes of these developers, including processor overflows, must be managed accordingly. In
some products, the pH of the waste is at or above the RCRA definition of a hazardous waste, pH 12.5 or
greater.
More Information
This service is part of Kodak鈥檚 Printer鈥檚 EnviroServices Program (PEP). Helping customers with
environmental concerns and compliance is a major commitment of Kodak. PEP consists of a
comprehensive range of environmental and safety products and services specially designed to allow
Kodak鈥檚 GCG customers to meet their environmental, safety, and health objectives in a cost-effective
manner. For more information, please contact the Kodak EnviroServices Hotline at (877) 574-7274 or
PEP@kodak.com.
Disclaimer of Warranties and Limitation of Liability
Some services to be provided under this offer are to be performed solely by independent vendors from whom Kodak鈥檚 Graphic Communications
Group does not receive fees. There are no warranties, express or implied, in connection with the provision of this service, including but not limited
to the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. The user shall determine the suitability of these services for the
intended use, and the user assumes all risk and liability if these services are not fit for the particular purpose intended. Kodak shall not have any
obligation or liability to any user or other third party arising out of any services performed by an independent vendor, pursuant to this offer. The
user shall indemnify, defend and hold Kodak harmless from and against any and all claims, costs and liabilities arising directly or indirectly from the
user's use of these services. The services offered in this brochure are subject to change and/or discontinuance without notice.
漏 Kodak. 2006. Kodak is a trademark of Kodak
Eastman Kodak Company Graphic Communications Group Health, Safety & Environment
EnviroServices Hotline: +1.877.574.7274 (US and Canada) or +1.770.232.2133 (Int鈥檒) Email: PEP@kodak.com
Publisher: Pradip Gopal Author: Pradip Gopal Publication #: 56 Date: 01/26/07 2
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