BEST PRACTICES

Even when not required by environmental regulations, the following best practices are recommended.

Processing spent developer/fixer (and other silver containing material for that matter) through a silver recovery unit can allow the material to be considered non-hazardous, however you should check with EH&S staff to determine your school's procedure on this issue. Some hospitals/dental facilities have on-site silver recovery units, while other facilities contract this to a licensed contractor. Using a silver recovery process may save you money and allow you to avoid handling many materials used/produced as part of the x-ray process. Suitable recycling methods include:

Off-site Silver Reclamation Facility - Developer/fixer disposal can be handled through a silver reclamation facility that is licensed to accept hazardous waste. Make certain you obtain the appropriate copy of the manifest and certificates of reclamation for shipments sent to these companies.

Operate your own silver recovery unit - Purchase and use your own silver recovery unit on-site. Operating this type of unit will require certain regulatory obligations. Make certain that the residual concentration of silver in your recovery process waste is allowable to be discharged to the local sewer system.

Best practices related to waste handling and disposal include the following activities:

1. Perform regular housekeeping activities in waste storage areas.
2. Reuse or recycle materials whenever possible.
3. Inspect waste management areas for spills and waste management containers for leaks.
4. Track waste generated, evaluate the process generating the waste and look for ways to reduce waste generation.
5. Characterize waste streams.
6. Find substitutes for harmful chemicals; properly dispose of unusable chemical inventory.
7. Segregate and separate wastes.
8. Do not dispose of liquid wastes such as oils or hazardous materials into dumpsters.
9. Maintain adequate supplies of spill response equipment and materials in accessible locations near areas where spills may be likely to occur.
10. Perform and document in a logbook periodic inspections of hazardous and non-hazardous waste storage areas.

Training employees in proper procedures to reduce your facility's impact on the environment is a best practice and in many cases is a regulatory requirement. More detailed training information is provided in the regulatory requirements sections of the EVC. Employee training may include the following:

1. Spill response training for personnel who handle hazardous material,
2. Right-to-know awareness training, and
3. Hazardous materials management.