Vivian Marlowe
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a surge in the production and use of hand sanitizers, with many organizations and individuals stockpiling large quantities of the product. However, as the demand for hand sanitizer wanes, the focus has shifted to the proper disposal of excess and expired hand sanitizer, which has emerged as a significant hazardous waste concern. Due to its high alcohol content, typically ranging from 60% to 95% alcohol, hand sanitizer is highly flammable and, in some cases, even toxic. Therefore, it cannot be disposed of by simply pouring it down the drain or tossing it into the trash. Instead, it must be managed and disposed of as hazardous waste, following regulations such as the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) in the United States.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Disposal method | Should not be disposed of down the drain or in the trash |
| Disposal location | Household hazardous waste drop-off location or disposal event |
| Flammability | Highly flammable |
| Toxicity | Toxic in some cases |
| Waste classification | Hazardous waste |
| Waste management | Requires hazardous waste management |
| Waste regulations | RCRA hazardous waste regulations and exemptions apply |
| EPA recommendation | Small amounts can be discarded in the regular trash, but disposal at a local household hazardous-waste collection facility is preferred |
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What You'll Learn
Never dispose of hand sanitiser down the drain
Alcohol-based hand sanitiser is highly flammable and in some cases, toxic, and therefore requires hazardous waste management. It is important to never dispose of hand sanitiser down the drain because doing so can be very dangerous. Hand sanitiser is considered a hazardous waste pharmaceutical, and its ignitable nature makes it a regulated substance under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).
The Clean Water Act prohibits the discharge of ignitable hazardous waste down the drain. This is because the liquid and vapours in water pipes and sewer systems can cause fires and explosions. If you pour large amounts of alcohol-based sanitiser down the drain, you introduce enough flammable vapour-generating liquid into the local sewer to cause an explosion.
Even small amounts of hand sanitiser disposed of down the drain can be dangerous. Household hazardous waste is exempt from federal hazardous waste regulations, but hand sanitiser should never be disposed of in this way. Instead, it should be brought to a household hazardous waste drop-off location or event for proper management.
If you have a large volume of hand sanitiser to dispose of, you should engage a company licensed to handle hazardous waste streams. An accredited hazardous waste provider will provide you with the necessary instruction, paperwork, and compliance assurances to ensure your risk is covered.
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Hand sanitiser is highly flammable
The flashpoint of hand sanitiser, or the temperature at which its vapours can ignite, is below 21 degrees Celsius, classifying it as 'highly flammable'. This means that hand sanitiser must be stored and handled with care. It should be kept in a well-ventilated area, away from heat and ignition sources, and any accumulation of 25 gallons or more must be placed in a flammable-liquid storage cabinet.
The high flammability of hand sanitiser poses a risk in certain work environments, especially those involving open flames, heat sources, or flying sparks. In these cases, the use of alcohol-free hand sanitiser is recommended. For example, anyone carrying out hot works, such as welding or soldering, should use a hand-sanitising solution that is completely alcohol-free to avoid the risk of burns.
The proper disposal of hand sanitiser is critical due to its flammability. It should never be disposed of down the drain or in the trash. Instead, small residential amounts should be taken to a local household hazardous-waste collection facility. For businesses, there are specific regulations and memoranda provided by the EPA regarding the disposal and recycling of excess alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
The high flammability of hand sanitiser poses a safety risk, especially when placed near waste bins and flammable materials. It is important to follow regulations and take the necessary precautions to minimise the risk of fires and explosions associated with the use and disposal of hand sanitiser.
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It's considered hazardous waste
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are ignitable and considered hazardous waste when discarded. This is due to their flammable properties, derived from their alcohol content. The majority of hand sanitizers on the market contain a minimum of 60% and up to 95% isopropyl or ethyl alcohol. The high alcohol content is what makes hand sanitizer effective at sanitizing hands when soap and water are unavailable. However, it also means that large amounts of hand sanitizer can be dangerous.
When disposed of at a residence or household, hand sanitizer is considered household hazardous waste. While household hazardous waste is typically exempt from federal hazardous waste regulations, hand sanitizer should never be disposed of down the drain, even in small amounts. Ignitable materials, such as alcohol-based hand sanitizer, can be very dangerous when poured down the drain. The vapors alone generated by gallons of alcohol-based sanitizer are highly explosive and could cause a fire or explosion if emptied into a local sewer system. Additionally, the infrastructure at the local wastewater treatment plant may be damaged, or the sanitizer may seep into the groundwater.
Businesses and institutions must also follow specific guidelines for the disposal of excess alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Commercial or industrial amounts of hand sanitizer require hazardous waste disposal, and several RCRA hazardous waste regulations and exemptions apply to different recycling scenarios. It is important to engage a company licensed to handle hazardous waste streams to ensure regulatory compliance.
Empty containers of hand sanitizer may be placed in a curbside recycling bin. However, if hand sanitizer remains in the container, it is recommended that it be brought to a household hazardous waste drop-off location for proper management.
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Businesses must follow RCRA guidelines
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are ignitable and hazardous substances, and their disposal is regulated by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Businesses must follow RCRA guidelines for the proper disposal of alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
Firstly, it is important to understand that hand sanitizer is considered a solid and hazardous waste when it is being disposed of and, in many cases, when it is being recycled. This classification triggers the application of RCRA regulations, which include hazardous waste notification, labelling, accumulation standards, manifesting, reporting, treatment, and disposal.
Secondly, businesses should be aware of the various RCRA hazardous waste regulations and exemptions that apply to different recycling scenarios. For instance, the EPA has issued memoranda outlining specific instructions for managing excess alcohol-based hand sanitizer, including disposal and recycling options. These memoranda provide detailed information on how to navigate the regulatory landscape of hand sanitizer waste management.
Thirdly, businesses must engage with accredited hazardous waste providers to ensure compliance with RCRA. These licensed companies can offer expert guidance on the treatment and disposal of hand sanitizer waste while also assisting with regulatory governance and compliance assurance. By partnering with these specialists, businesses can effectively manage their risk and adhere to RCRA requirements.
Furthermore, businesses should be mindful of the potential environmental impact and safety risks associated with improper disposal. Hand sanitizer is highly flammable due to its alcohol content, typically containing at least 60% alcohol by volume. Improper disposal methods, such as pouring it down the drain, can introduce flammable vapors into the local sewer system, increasing the risk of explosions. Therefore, businesses must prioritize safe disposal methods to protect the environment and avoid regulatory penalties.
In summary, businesses must adhere to RCRA guidelines when disposing of alcohol-based hand sanitizers. By understanding the hazardous nature of these products, staying informed about applicable regulations and exemptions, engaging accredited waste management services, and recognizing the environmental and safety implications, businesses can ensure they responsibly and effectively manage their hand sanitizer waste streams.
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Small amounts can be taken to a local household hazardous-waste facility
Due to the alcohol content, hand sanitizers are classified as a Class 3 Flammable Liquid. They are highly flammable and, in some cases, toxic. This means that hand sanitiser requires hazardous waste management.
The EPA is okay with discarding small amounts of hand sanitiser into the regular trash, although the agency recommends taking small "residential" amounts to a local household hazardous-waste collection facility. This is because hand sanitiser should never be disposed of down the drain, even in a house. Ignitable materials, such as alcohol-based hand sanitiser, can be very dangerous when poured down the drain, causing fires and explosions.
Businesses and institutions should refer to the EPA's memoranda on hand sanitiser disposal and management under RCRA. If disposal is up to your company, remember that hand sanitiser is "'ignitable'" and so you must proceed with RCRA hazardous waste disposal requirements. Engage a company licensed to handle hazardous waste streams to ensure regulatory compliance.
For households, it is best to dispose of expired hand sanitiser at the town's household hazardous waste centre.
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Frequently asked questions
Due to its flammable and toxic properties, alcohol-based hand sanitizer is considered hazardous waste. It should be disposed of at a household hazardous waste drop-off location or a similar disposal event.
Alcohol-based hand sanitizer is ignitable and can cause fires or explosions if poured down the drain.
While the EPA states that small amounts of hand sanitizer can be discarded in the regular trash, it is preferable to dispose of it at a local household hazardous waste collection facility.
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