Arielle Cruz
The use of hand sanitizers has become increasingly common, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. However, improper disposal of hand sanitizers, especially those containing ethyl alcohol, can lead to soil and water contamination. This is because ethyl alcohol is considered hazardous waste and can cause environmental damage if not disposed of correctly. Therefore, it is important to understand how to properly dispose of hand sanitizers with ethyl alcohol to minimize any negative impact on the environment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Disposal method | Hazardous waste disposal |
| Container | Sealed |
| Disposal location | Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) facility |
| Disposal process | Collection, segregation, final disposal |
| Recycling | Cost-effective, promotes circular economy, reduces volume of waste |
| Legitimacy criteria | Compliance with 40 CFR Section 260.43 |
| Industrial ethyl alcohol exemption | Reclaimer must have/obtain Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) permits |
| Environmental impact | Soil and water contamination, air pollution |
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What You'll Learn
Hand sanitizer is hazardous waste
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a surge in hand sanitizer usage and production, resulting in a corresponding increase in potential hazardous waste. Alcohol, the primary ingredient in hand sanitizers, has a high flammability and low flashpoint, making it easily ignitable. Expired hand sanitizer can contain as much as 36-57% alcohol, classifying it as a flammable liquid. Improper disposal, such as pouring it down the drain or throwing it in the trash, can lead to soil and water contamination, jeopardizing aquatic ecosystems and human health. The chemicals in hand sanitizer can alter the soil's pH and nutrient content, harming plants. Additionally, inadequate disposal methods, especially of large volumes, can lead to combustion, releasing toxic gases into the atmosphere.
Due to these risks, expired or unusable hand sanitizer is often classified as hazardous waste in many jurisdictions, including Canada. This requires individuals and businesses to follow strict disposal guidelines to avoid fines and legal repercussions. Proper disposal may involve contacting local hazardous waste facilities or partnering with licensed waste management companies. Recycling is encouraged when possible, as it reduces waste volume and promotes a circular economy. However, it must comply with legitimacy criteria and regulations, such as not using reclaimed hand sanitizer as fuel or burning it for energy recovery.
To dispose of hand sanitizer responsibly, individuals should avoid pouring it down the drain or throwing it in the regular trash. Instead, they should contact their local hazardous waste facilities or drop-off depots to confirm they accept small quantities of flammable liquids. Businesses with large amounts of expired hand sanitizer should work with certified hazardous waste management companies, ensuring compliance with local regulations and safety standards.
In summary, hand sanitizer is hazardous waste due to its chemical properties and environmental impact. Its disposal requires careful consideration to prevent contamination and fire hazards. Proper disposal methods include utilizing hazardous waste facilities, partnering with licensed waste management companies, and recycling when done responsibly. By disposing of hand sanitizer responsibly, individuals and businesses can contribute to a cleaner, healthier future for their communities and the environment.
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Check local regulations
When disposing of hand sanitiser with ethyl alcohol, it is important to check local regulations to ensure that you are adhering to the proper procedures and minimising any potential harm to the environment. Different regions may have varying rules regarding the disposal of household chemicals, including hand sanitisers.
In the United States, for example, federal and state-level regulations emphasise the safe disposal of expired hand sanitisers. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides guidance on the recycling and disposal of alcohol-based hand sanitisers, including those containing ethyl alcohol. The EPA encourages recycling whenever possible, provided it complies with legitimate criteria and regulations.
In New York, the state's Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) has issued guidance on household hazardous waste (HHW) disposal. While HHW generated in a household is generally exempt from state and federal hazardous waste regulations, NYSDEC recommends that alcohol-based hand sanitiser be taken to a local HHW collection event or facility for proper disposal.
Businesses and institutions must also follow specific regulations for the disposal of hand sanitisers with ethyl alcohol. The US EPA provides information on recycling scenarios and frequently asked questions about hand sanitiser disposal under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).
To summarise, it is essential to check local regulations when disposing of hand sanitiser with ethyl alcohol to ensure compliance with the proper procedures and to minimise any potential environmental impact. By understanding the regulations and guidelines specific to your region, you can play a role in protecting the environment and ensuring the safe disposal of this hazardous waste.
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![McKesson Hand Sanitizer Gel with Aloe [144 Count] Travel Size, Single Packets, Individually Wrapped Sanitizers, Ethyl Alcohol](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71igJJqaa-L._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Safe disposal methods
The disposal of hand sanitizers with ethyl alcohol requires careful consideration to ensure safety and prevent environmental contamination. Here are some safe disposal methods:
Check Local Regulations:
Before disposing of hand sanitizer, it is important to check local regulations regarding hazardous waste disposal. Different regions may have specific guidelines for managing and disposing of hazardous materials, including hand sanitizers with ethyl alcohol.
Household Hazardous Waste Facilities:
Hand sanitizers with ethyl alcohol are considered hazardous waste due to their flammability and potential environmental impact. They should not be poured down drains or mixed with general waste. Instead, small quantities can be taken to local Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection facilities for safe disposal. Websites like Earth911.com or local government websites often provide information on nearby HHW facilities.
Recycling:
Recycling is a preferred option for managing excess or expired hand sanitizers. It helps reduce the volume of waste and promotes a circular economy. However, recycling must comply with legitimacy criteria and regulations, such as those outlined in the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Proper recycling of hand sanitizers can reclaim ethanol, but it must not be used as fuel or burned for energy recovery.
Proper Storage and Handling:
Until disposal or recycling, hand sanitizers with ethyl alcohol should be stored securely to prevent accidental fires. This includes keeping them away from direct sunlight and ensuring containers are closed with proper fittings.
Segregation and Collection:
For organizations or institutions dealing with substantial volumes of hand sanitizer, a systematic approach is necessary. This includes meticulous collection, segregation based on expiration status, and adherence to regulatory norms during the final disposal process.
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Sanitizer recycling
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a surge in the use and production of hand sanitizers, with many organizations and households now facing the challenge of disposing of excess or expired sanitizer. Improper disposal can cause soil and water contamination, as the sanitizer contains chemicals that can alter the soil's pH and nutrient content, and pollute water bodies. The flammable nature of alcohol can also lead to combustion, releasing toxic gases into the atmosphere. Therefore, it is important to dispose of hand sanitizers responsibly.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) encourages the recycling of excess, unsaleable hand sanitizer whenever possible, as long as it complies with the legitimacy criteria in 40 CFR Section 260.43. According to the EPA, excess alcohol-based hand sanitizer is a commercial chemical product and is not considered solid waste when it is reclaimed, as long as it is not used as fuel or burned for energy recovery. Additionally, industrial ethyl alcohol, including hand sanitizer, that is reclaimed to recover ethanol may qualify for the industrial ethyl alcohol exemption under 40 CFR Section 261.6(a)(3)(i). However, the reclaimer must have the proper Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) permits and comply with all TTB regulations.
For households, the EPA recommends not putting hand sanitizer in the regular trash if it still contains sanitizer. Instead, it should be brought to a household hazardous waste drop-off location or event for proper management. These locations and events are often run by local government agencies and can be found by searching online or through local government websites.
While recycling and proper disposal of hand sanitizer can be costly and challenging, it is important to consider the environmental and financial costs of non-compliance. Improper disposal can lead to contamination and pollution, and fines for non-compliance can be significant.
There are also alternative ways to "upcycle" expired hand sanitizer and put it to use rather than disposing of it. Some suggestions include using it as a cleaning liquid for countertops and whiteboards, removing labels from glass jars, removing bandage glue from skin, and as a stain remover for walls, counters, and vinyl floors.
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Reintroduction of recycled components
The recycling of hand sanitiser is a critical component of waste management, particularly given the sharp rise in hand sanitiser usage and disposal during the COVID-19 pandemic. Improper disposal of hand sanitiser can lead to soil and water contamination, as the chemicals in expired hand sanitiser can alter the soil's pH and nutrient content, harming plants and polluting water bodies. Therefore, recycling is a beacon of hope in reducing the volume of waste and promoting a circular economy.
Recycling hand sanitiser with ethyl alcohol requires careful consideration to ensure compliance with regulations and to maximise resource recovery. Here are the key steps and guidelines for reintroducing recycled components from hand sanitiser:
Collection and Segregation
The recycling process begins with the meticulous collection of expired or excess hand sanitiser. It is important to separate the hand sanitiser based on its expiration status, as expired hand sanitiser is typically considered hazardous waste due to its flammable nature and potential environmental impact.
Volume Reduction
Recycling can significantly reduce the volume of hand sanitiser waste. This can be achieved by diluting the expired hand sanitiser with water to reduce its alcohol concentration. However, pouring diluted hand sanitiser down the drain should be a last resort, as it can still pose risks to the local sewage system.
Recycling Scenarios
Several recycling scenarios are outlined by the US EPA for managing excess alcohol-based hand sanitiser:
- Reclamation at an industrial ethyl alcohol reclaimer with the appropriate Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) permit.
- Legitimate recovery of alcohol from hand sanitiser for use in other products, such as lab chemicals, cleaning agents, or cosmetics.
- Recycling through burning for energy recovery in RCRA-permitted cement kilns, with proper management of hazardous waste.
Beneficial Reuse
Even if the hand sanitiser itself cannot be recycled, the bottle and its components can be reused or recycled. Check if your sanitizer bottle is recyclable and dispose of it properly. If it's not recyclable, ensure it's empty, screw the cap back on to prevent leaks, and dispose of it in your regular trash or through special hazardous waste collection programs.
Compliance and Cost Considerations
Recycling hand sanitiser with ethyl alcohol must comply with legitimacy criteria outlined in regulations, such as the RCRA regulations and TTB permits. While initial investments in recycling infrastructure may be significant, recycling promotes cost savings in the long run and helps avoid fines for non-compliance.
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Frequently asked questions
Hand sanitizers with ethyl alcohol are considered hazardous waste due to their flammable nature. Improper disposal can lead to soil and water contamination, air pollution, and fire hazards.
Place the hand sanitizer in a sealed container marked as "Hazardous Waste." Then, take it to a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) facility for safe disposal. You can find a list of HHW facilities at Earth911.com or on your local government's website.
Recycling is a viable alternative to disposal. Recycling can reduce the volume of waste and promote a circular economy. However, it is important to ensure that recycling methods comply with local regulations and legitimacy criteria.
