Chemical Container Disposal

Disposing of chemical containers requires careful consideration to ensure the safety of individuals, protect the environment, and comply with regulations. Chemical containers that are not empty and still contain residual amounts of chemicals could potentially be classified as hazardous waste. Therefore, special considerations must be taken when disposing of containers.

The following guidelines have been developed to ensure that empty chemical containers are disposed of properly.

• Chemical containers must be completely emptied before disposal. Be sure that there is no residual
  material in the container.
• If the original product container is in good condition, consider reusing the container to collect waste chemicals.
• The waste chemicals should be compatible with the container and the original contents of the container.
• Consider the type of chemical that was in the container.
• If the chemical is identified on the list of Acutely Hazardous Wastes (see below), the empty container should NOT be rinsed and MUST be
  disposed of through the Chemical Waste Program.
•  If the chemical is NOT on the attached list of Acutely Hazardous Wastes, the container should be triple rinsed with water or in some cases, a solvent capable of removing the original chemical.
• If the rinsing solvent is hazardous (e.g. acetone, methylene chloride), the rinsate must be collected and disposed of through the Chemical Waste Program.
•  Once the interior of the container has been triple-rinsed, the container should be air-dried.
• When the container (glass, metal, or plastic) is dry, deface the original label with a permanent marker. Write “EMPTY” on the label. If the container is glass and the chemical is not on the Acutely Hazardous Waste list, it should be disposed of in a broken glass receptacle. Any empty, glass container or item does not need to be broken to be placed in a broken glass receptacle. If the empty container is metal or plastic and the chemical is not on the Acutely HazardousWaste list, it should be disposed of in the regular trash.
• If you are unable to remove any residual amount of chemicals in the container, the container must be disposed of through the Chemical Waste Program.

How to dispose of it?

Not all empty chemical containers can be reused or recycled. Still, they do need to be disposed of following EPA regulations, as well as local or institutional guidelines. The containers should be cleaned three times with a compatible solvent and with the rinse liquid stored in a reusable container. Allow the containers to air dry (under a chemical fume hood if inside). Once cleaned and dried, permanently remove labels and all indicators or warning signs such as “flammable” or “hazardous” and write “Empty” on the containers. Remove the caps or seals and place the container in the designated community or institutional disposal area.