Hazardous Materials and Waste Management Division
Household Acids/Bases
Extreme
care should always be taken when handling acids and bases as
hazardous reactions may occur and fumes may be produced. Acids
and bases are corrosive and can cause severe skin and eye
damage.
Dilute and Flush
Following the usage directions on the container
may be the best way to dispose of these chemicals if other
disposal options aren’t available. This will often involve
diluting the chemical and disposing of it down the drain.
This is the least-preferred disposal option, but it may be the
only option available in some areas. If your home is
connected to a septic tank, give these products to someone who is
connected to a municipal sewer system. Even in a diluted
form, these chemicals can destroy the bacterial action in your
septic system and drain field. Acids and bases should never be
disposed of on the ground or in a storm drain or gutter since they
can contaminate groundwater, surface water and (potentially)
drinking water supplies.
Procedures include:
-
Provide adequate ventilation by opening
windows and doors and/or turning on a room fan.
-
Wear protective clothing such
as chemical resistant gloves, eye protection and long sleeves.
-
Unless the usage direction specify otherwise, carefully pour 1/4 to
1/2 cup of the acid or base into 2-5 gallons of water, taking care
not to splash or spill. Always add the chemical to the water and
not the water to the chemical. Failure to dilute the
concentrate may seriously damage pipes or other parts of your
plumbing.
-
Pour the diluted solution
slowly down the sink, flushing with large amounts of
water and taking care not to splash.
-
Continue disposing in 2-5
gallon batches of diluted solution until completely gone. Don't mix products, and
wait several hours between disposing of different types of
products.
-
The best time to do this is
during the working day when the sewage system is in full use
so that this material passes through the municipal sewage system
faster.
These procedures are intended for small quantities of
acids or bases from a household only.
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