In the last week alone I have had several calls from commercial and newspaper printers who were still not aware of the need to properly manage the disposal of their waste CtP developer and have now found themselves at risk of a fine. In most cases they have been told by their vendor that the waste stream does not require treatment or is diluted enough from processor rinse water. CtP developer, with the exception of very few products on the market, is regulated for high pH and requires pre-treatment before being sent to drain. Dilution is not an acceptable or adequate means of waste mangagement. This is a federal regulation that is usually more stringent on the local level. If your vendor tells you otherwise, do your own diligence. Get it in writing and check with your local sewer authority to confirm what your responsibilities are. A treatment system for waste CtP developer is affordable and easily integrated into the prepress department. This will allow you to record, track and prove your compliant disposal of the waste stream in the event of an environmental audit.
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