After the formation of dyes is complete, the silver image is removed in processing by a specialty photographic fixer called bleach fix or blix.
A great deal of research effort has been placed by manufacturers, most notably Fujifilm, Ilford Photo, and Kodak, into controlling the color and tonal characteristics of their chromogenic film and paper.
The sensitization of the silver halide emulsions, the composition and mixture of the dye couplers, and the chemical interactions of layers upon one another during processing (called interlayer effects), are the subjects of numerous patents.
This waste is usually processed to recover the valuable dissolved silver in metallic form, and to allow safe disposal of the remaining substance.
For example, the disposal of untreated waste fixer into the sanitary sewers and storm drains of New York City has led to high levels of dissolved silver in the Hudson River.