This site began as part of my graduate school capstone project—but truthfully, it’s rooted in something far more personal. I’ve loved film photography for years and dreamed of building a home darkroom, of developing and printing at my own pace and feeling more connected to the process. But this thought always came with hesitation. As an international student, I move frequently, and the idea of assembling and maintaining a darkroom—lugging around all the equipment and chemicals—felt impractical.
Even more daunting was the question of waste. During my undergraduate years, I worked in my school’s darkroom, where I learned about both the beauty and the responsibility of film processing practice. I was trained in safety protocols and chemical handling, and I saw firsthand how essential it is to dispose of used materials properly, especially exhausted fixer. When you’re working in an institutional lab, there are often systems in place. At home, though? It’s a different story. There’s very little accessible guidance, and even less community support.
That gap of lack of clear, trustworthy information on photographic chemical disposal became the seed for Develop & Dispose. I created this platform for people like me: folks who want to enjoy the magic of film photography, but who also care deeply about doing it responsibly. It’s not just about where to put your fixer. It’s about creating a space where sustainability and creativity can co-exist, without compromise or confusion.
Through this site, I hope to make things just a little easier for others. Whether you’re looking for confirmed chemical drop-off locations, researching safe practices, or just wondering where to begin, this is a space for you. My goal is simple: to offer a clear, accessible path for more thoughtful, eco-conscious film development. If it helps someone take the leap and start their own darkroom—or even just to try their first roll—then it’s already done its job.
Welcome to Develop & Dispose. I’m glad you’re here 🙂 !