This study was conducted to evaluate the potential of the fired clay of a specific pore structure in the removal process of toxic Zn2+ ions from a waste printing developer. The adsorption tests were conducted in a batch process. The experimental data were analyzed by using Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin–Kaganer–Radushkevich (DKR) isotherm models. The adsorbent was a newly designed system, a fired clay of defined pore size distribution. Polyethylene glycol (PEG 600) was used as a pore-forming agent. The properties of the fired clay were compared with those of two commercial adsorbents (clinoptilolite and activated carbon) and showed the highest adsorption capacity (784 mg/kg). The newly inexpensive system was proven to be an economically viable alternative as printing developer purifier.