Selenium disposal

[Anthony Martinez]

I still haven't printed any of my Scotland photos yet, but I think I'm ready to attempt the whole archival process. My only question now is what do I do with the selenium toner when I'm done?

[venchka]

The first question I would ask is, "Do I need to use selenium toner?"

[Anthony Martinez]

To which I would retort: "Do I need film/a darkroom/photography at all?"

I want to try it, thus I want to know how to dispose of it properly.

[venchka]

Fair enough. I was mistakenly thinking that selenium was used to prolong print life. Apparently selenium is only used to alter the tone of the finished print.
The usual diametrically opposed answers on the internet. I like the answer that you can keep it going virtually forever thereby avoiding disposal altogether. Otherwise, call Ralph Nader. LOL!

Disposal of used selenium toner

This discussion borders on the comical to "don't worry about it":

Disposal of used selenium toner

All of the search results:

Google

Bottom line: Call the county.

[Anthony Martinez]

I did notice that "selenium content" was a section on the last water quality thing I got from the MUD. Googling didn't turn up much for the Katy area, but I suppose I can always store it until I find an acceptable means of disposal.

[venchka]

Did you read the entry about more selenium in shampoo than your toner?
In this day & age, darkroom chemicals aren't even a fly speck in the total amount of stuff that goes down the drain.

[wclavey]

I had some selenium toner mixed that I moved back here from CT. I called the MUD. They said to call Severn Trent who operates the disposal systems. They said never dump anything that wasn't regular household waste down the drain and certainly never any photo development chemicals of any kind in any amounts. I guess my new rule is: don't ask if you don't want to know the answer.

I suppose that when I develop B&W, prints or negatives, I now knowingly break the disposal guide lines, since I put the spent developer and fixer down the drain. I put the selenium toner down the drain, too...

[venchka]

Those are standard canned answers. When does distilled white vinegar stop being part of salad dressing and start being stop bath?
I just tried to find the concentration of selenium in Head & Shoulders Clinical strength shampoo. In typical fashion, the information was not available.
Think about this: The almost federally manadated CFBs contain more mercury than the discontinued mercury cell camera batteries. CFBs are made and consumed in about a bazzilion more units than mercury batteries ever were. Go figure.
Just use it forever like the folks on APUG suggested.

Did you ask if it was ok to put instant coffee, vitamin C tablets and laundry soda down the drain? A.K.A. Caffenol developer?

[Anthony Martinez]

Yeah, I read the thread. If I ever mix any of it up, I'll just keep using it. If I decide to dump it I'd bet I could get it into one of the massive vats at school. If not, it'll likely find its way down a toilet.

[Orogeny]

Check with the county. They have hazardous household waste disposal days a couple of days a month where you can bring your used toner and any old paint, lawn chemicals, etc. There is no charge for this service.

[Anthony Martinez]

I will do that.

[venchka]

Originally Posted by venchka

Bottom line: Call the county.

Originally Posted by Orogeny

Check with the county.

[Anthony Martinez]

This all depends, of course, on the county picking up the phone. An occurrence I've never witnessed myself!

[venchka]

Good one.

[Valerie]

You can keep it and use it over and over.....

I'm told when you are ready to dispose of it, your roses will love it (true or not, I don't know).