It is important to dispose of acids with a very low pH (below 2) safely. If there are no heavy metals or other toxic substances inside the substance, by neutralizing the pH by bringing it to a higher level (6, 6-7, 4) you can eliminate the product in a normal sewer pipe. If, on the other hand, heavy metals are present, the solution must be treated as hazardous waste and disposed of through the appropriate channels.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Work Safely
Step 1. Read the International Chemical Safety Data Sheet (ICSC)
This is an information sheet that provides all important data regarding the safety of the product with regard to handling and storage. You can search for the exact name of the acid substance on this site and get all the essential information.
Step 2. Put on the appropriate protective gear
When using chemicals or other very strong products, it is essential to wear goggles, gloves and a lab coat. Chemical / biohazard goggles also protect the sides of the eyes, while it is essential to wear gloves and a lab coat to protect skin and clothing.
- Gloves should be plastic or vinyl.
- If you wear long hair, tuck it behind your head to avoid accidental contact with acid.
Step 3. Work in a well-ventilated area or under a fume hood
The vapors released by the acid are toxic and you should preferably use a fume hood to reduce exposure. If you don't have access to the extractor, open all windows and run a fan to maintain good ventilation in the room.
Step 4. Locate the nearest source of running water
In the event that the acidic substance comes into contact with your skin or eyes, you must rinse yourself with running water for at least 15 minutes. Do this rinse and seek medical attention immediately afterwards.
- If a few drops have gotten into your eyes, keep your eyelids open and move your eyeballs up, down and to the sides to rinse them properly.
- If a splash has reached the skin, put the affected area under running water for at least 15 minutes.
Method 2 of 3: Dispose of Acid at Home
Step 1. Get an acid resistant container
Stronger acids can corrode glass and metal, but do not react with plastic. There are different types of plastics, so be sure to get the right container for your purpose. The substance should already be in a suitable container, but you need another to dilute and neutralize it.
- Get one that can hold at least twice the volume of the acid solution you have, so that you have enough space to add the diluent and neutralizer.
- Be careful not to splash when transferring the acid to the larger container.
Step 2. Put the empty container in a bucket full of ice
A large amount of heat is released during the dilution and neutralization process of a very acid solution; To reduce the risk of burns or the container melting, place it in a bucket with ice while it is still empty.
Step 3. Dilute the acid with water
If the substance is very concentrated, it must first be diluted with water; it can be a dangerous step, so you have to follow the instructions very carefully. Use cold water to prevent the solution from boiling and causing splashing. Add the water to the empty container and then slowly pour the acid while controlling the temperature of the container during the procedure.
- The amount of water needed to dilute the acid depends on the concentration of the solution; the higher the concentration, the greater the amount of water needed; you can calculate the exact quantity by following the steps of this article.
- Never add water directly to the acid as you could trigger a rapid boiling reaction with splashing and splashing.
- Be very careful not to cause any acid splash during the dilution process.
Step 4. Test the pH of the acid with a specific indicator or litmus paper
You can get the reagent strips through lab supply catalogs or at swimming pool supply stores. To determine how much you need to neutralize the solution, you need to know the pH of the acid you are treating.
- Dip the end of the strip into the substance; it should change color according to the pH.
- Remove it from the solution and compare the color it has taken with the table provided by the kit; the color you see on the strip corresponds to the pH of the solution.
- The lower the pH of the acid, the more neutralizer you need to add.
Step 5. Prepare a neutralizing solution
Sodium hydroxide or magnesium hydroxide are basic substances that you can add to acid to neutralize it. Sodium hydroxide is also known as lye, while magnesium hydroxide is the main ingredient in milk of magnesia; you can buy both of these substances in supermarkets.
- Follow the instructions on the lye package to make a sodium hydroxide solution.
- Milk of magnesia does not need to be handled and you can use it as is to neutralize the acid.
Step 6. Neutralize the diluted acid
Alkaline solutions react with acidic ones by neutralizing them, producing water and a type of salt. Add the basic substance a little at a time to the diluted acid; during the operation mix gently, pay attention to the temperature of the container and proceed with caution so as not to cause splashes.
Step 7. Do the pH test often
Check it periodically with litmus paper or a test strip to make sure you don't exceed your target, which is between 6, 6 and 7, 4; continue to slowly add the salt solution until the mixture reaches the desired pH.
- Alternatively, you can use a universal indicator, a liquid that changes color based on pH. Add the basic solution until the indicator changes color and approaches the one that corresponds to the pH of 7.0.
- If you exceed the neutral level, slowly add some acid solution to bring the pH back to 7.4 at a minimum.
Step 8. Dispose of the solution down your home drains
The neutralized solution is now safe and you can safely throw it down the drain while running cold running water. Continue running tap water for at least 30 seconds after emptying the container.
Method 3 of 3: Dispose of Acid Containing Dissolved Heavy Metals
Step 1. Get a container that does not deteriorate in contact with an acidic substance
Most acids can corrode glass and metal, but do not react with plastics. There are different types of plastics, so be sure to get the right one for your acid. The product should already be stored in such a container, but you need to make sure it is not filled to the brim to avoid the risk of spillage.
Step 2. Identify the type of contaminant present in the acid
Heavy metals - such as cadmium, zinc, copper, mercury and lead - are toxic and cannot be thrown down sewer pipes; there are also other inorganic compounds that are toxic and / or corrosive that cannot be disposed of down the drain.
If you have multiple containers with the same acidic substance but with different chemical compounds dissolved, you must keep each solution separate, as each must be disposed of separately
Step 3. Contact a hazardous waste disposal company in your area
If you are a college student or work in a laboratory, there is certainly a department or body that is in charge of disposing of these substances properly. If you cannot find one of these facilities in your vicinity, contact your local council technical office to find the appropriate way to get rid of the acid substance.
Warnings
- If you ingest too much milk of magnesia, instead of suffering from stomach acid, you may develop alkalinity.
- If you are trying to dilute the acid, be sure to pour it into the water and not the other way around; if it has a high concentration, it can release a lot of heat when you add water.
- Some types of acids are very corrosive and damage any weaker material they come into contact with.
