Into which category of waste should spent developer and fixer solution be placed?

Spent developer and fixer solutions used in dental radiography contain chemicals that can be harmful to the environment and human health. These solutions are considered hazardous due to their chemical composition, which may include substances that are toxic, corrosive, or detrimental if released into the ecosystem.

Categorizing spent developer and fixer as non-infectious hazardous waste is appropriate because, while they do not contain biological pathogens that pose a risk of infection, their chemical properties necessitate careful handling and disposal to prevent environmental contamination and compliance with safety regulations. Proper disposal of such hazardous materials is essential for maintaining workplace safety and adhering to environmental regulations.

In contrast, infectious hazardous waste refers specifically to waste that could transmit infections, which does not apply here. Non-hazardous waste lacks harmful properties, and trade waste usually pertains to areas not specific to healthcare or environmental safety in the context of hazardous materials.