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Photographic materials

Disposal for households 

sometimes hazardous

Disposal requirements vary

Wastes from film development include fixer, developer and stop solution. The disposal methods differ depending on your sewer connection.

Sanitary sewer:

  • Fixer contains high levels of silver and cannot go down the drain. Collect it in an airtight container and bring it to one of the hazardous waste collection sites listed below. Used developer can go down the drain.
  • Used stop solution, if it is not mixed with fixer, can go down the drain. Take stop solution that is mixed with fixer to one of the hazardous waste collection sites below.

Septic:
No photographic chemicals can go down the drain. Collect the chemicals in separate air-tight containers and bring them to one of the household hazardous waste sites listed below.

The following are requirements for bringing materials to a hazardous waste collection sites:

  • All containers must be 5 gallons or less.
  • Total waste limit: 50 gallons per trip

Hazardous Waste Disposal Locations

  • North Seattle
    Sunday – Tuesday

    12550 Stone Ave N Seattle, WA 98133
    9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

    Closed on July 4, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.

  • South Seattle
    Thursday – Saturday

    8100 2nd Ave S Seattle, WA 98108
    9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

    Located next to the transfer station.
    Closed on July 4, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.

  • Factoria
    Tuesday – Friday, Saturday and Sunday

    13800 SE 32nd St. Bellevue, WA 98005
    8 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Tues-Fri), 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Sat-Sun)

    The Factoria facility is located at the transfer station. Closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Years Day.

  • Auburn
    Saturday – Sunday

    1101 Outlet Collection Way, Auburn, WA 98001
    10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

    The Auburn Wastemobile location is open on weekends, year-round. Marine flares are not accepted at this location.
    Located near the loading dock of Nordstrom Rack. In 2024, this location is closed Nov. 30, Dec. 1 and Dec. 28-29.