[Leica] Darkrooms and Septic Systems

[LP6@aol.com]

Re:  Darkroom Silver and Acid Effluent into Septic Systems: (?)

Joe Stephenson and Bill Franson have kindly informed me over the LUG that it
is the used acid fixer that contains the silver and that this can be retrieved
with a Rotex Silver Recovery Kit.  So much for the metal!

They also inform me that the enemy of the bacterial flora in the septic system
is acid primarily and that this can be neutralized by allowing the mixture of
developer and stop bath to stand before discarding into the system.  

Since sodium bicarbonate (backing soda) is often added to septic systems as a
routine maintenance measure, I suppose extra bicarbonate might assure further
acid dilution originating from my darkroom operations?  So much for the acid!

Have I got my facts straight?  What have we left out?

In conclusion, I'm surprised that LUGites haven't encountered this problem in
greater numbers than the response to my septic quiery on the LUG suggests?
Maybe its the more strict Massachusetts (near Nashua, NH) building codes vs.
the more relaxed codes elsewhere?  Any other thoughts?

Leon
LP6@aol.com