Solvent disposal
KeenTeenager®
I have about a gallon of used solvents as of now and its adding up with
each time solvent is used. I just mix all the used solvent into one
bottle, except for chlorinated solvents. I think it has mineral
spirits, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, and alcohol mixed. I use those
solvent with working on my bicycle(degreasing) and working with
electronics. I'm not sure if you can, but I think you can't really
throw it away with regular trash. Does anyone know how a residential
user can dispose used solvents?
Thanks
Walt
Disposal to trash is frowned upon but I believe legal when originating
from "household" activities as opposed to commercial/business/government
sources. The quantities are small enough that just letting the solvent
evaporate is probably preferrable. Watch out - Fire Hazard possible.
Also, as these are dangerous to fatal if swallowed, so security is also
an issue (kids get into the darndest things!)
Get in touch with state environmental agencies - land pollution
control/hazardous waste control. Don't give them your (true) name.
Most states have occasional drop-off programs for household hazardous
waste. They appreciate it if you could identify the chemicals. (Also
a good organic chemistry teaching opportunity.) What state are you in?
I will find out more for you.
Pat Strong
> Hello,
>
> I have about a gallon of used solvents as of now and its adding up with
> each time solvent is used. I just mix all the used solvent into one
> bottle, except for chlorinated solvents. I think it has mineral
> spirits, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, and alcohol mixed. I use those
> solvent with working on my bicycle(degreasing) and working with
> electronics. I'm not sure if you can, but I think you can't really
> throw it away with regular trash. Does anyone know how a residential
> user can dispose used solvents?
>
> Thanks
You are generally discouraged from putting these substances in the
household trash. Call your waste control office and find out if your area
has a hazardous waste facility for householders. The would appreciate
having a label of some kind on the jug since you have been mixing the stuff
up.
Alcohol shouldn't be a problem. Don't mix it with the other stuff, just
let it evaporate.
Pat
Pat Strong
> Hello,
>
> I have about a gallon of used solvents as of now and its adding up with
> each time solvent is used. I just mix all the used solvent into one
> bottle, except for chlorinated solvents. I think it has mineral
> spirits, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, and alcohol mixed. I use those
> solvent with working on my bicycle(degreasing) and working with
> electronics. I'm not sure if you can, but I think you can't really
> throw it away with regular trash. Does anyone know how a residential
> user can dispose used solvents?
>
> Thanks
You are generally discouraged from putting these substances in the
household trash. Call your waste control office and find out if your area
has a hazardous waste facility for householders. They would appreciate