An apparatus and method for neutralizing waste film-processing fluids discharged from a plurality of work stations containing film-processing fluids utilize a container adapted to receive the waste fluids as well as a predetermined quantity of neutralizing fluid. The quantity of neutralizing fluid admitted into the container is a function of the number and/or size of the film-emulsion carriers to be processed in the work station and/or a function of the fluid content of the container itself. A sensor is provided to detect the fluid contents of the container and cooperates with a control value so as to admit the predetermined quantity of neutralizing fluid into the container. A discharge pump is also provided to discharge the neutralized fluid contents of the container to a discharge area.