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capostatus145
New Contributor

How to safely dispose of isopropyl alchohol?

I have a 1 quart sealed bottle of 100% isopropyl alcohol that is 3 months expired.  What is the safest way to dispose of this? I live in a small apartment in NYC and they have suspended waste drop off until the fall.  I read that in addition to being highly flammable it could form peroxides and possibly explode so I definitely don't want to keep it around until then.  Thanks for your help.

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6 Replies
SuperMIK
New Contributor II

Re: How to safely dispose of isopropyl alchohol?

The best solution is probably to make a homemade room deodorizer or cleaner with the expired isopropanol.

  1. 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol 
  2. 1 cup distilled water.
  3. Approximately 20 drops of a combination of 1-3 essential oils of your choice.

In a well ventilated area mix 1:4 rubbing alcohol to water, add your favorite essential oils or extracts - almond or vanilla extract work well too, mint, lavender, and other essential oils are available at the grocery store (or online). The water does not have to be distilled - you can use filtered water from your refrigerator or tap water.  You can even mix the same ratio in a small spray bottle - they are available in the travel section of your local grocery store (next to travel shampoo, deodorant, and toothpaste).

You can also make cleaner out of it. 

https://www.onecrazyhouse.com/15-rubbing-alcohol-cleaning-recipes-make-house-sparkle/ 

Note the main reason 99% rubbing alcohol expires is because it is hygroscopic (sucks up water) and no matter how well you keep it, it will be diluted by water (humidity) when stored.

Last and worst option: If you don't want to make homemade air freshener or cleaner and are unable to turn it in to a household waste site, isopropyl alcohol may be diluted and disposed of in a sink in many areas.  Check with your local utility provider and/or local regulations.

If it is safe in your area, in a well ventilated area dilute the isopropyl alcohol to less than 5% and poor it down the drain with running water.

https://ehs.yale.edu/sites/default/files/files/sanitary-sewar-disposal.pdf 

release2016
New Contributor

Re: How to safely dispose of isopropyl alchohol?

I also have a very old container of isopropyl alcohol to dispose of and the Hazardous Waste drop off site will reopen January 10th.  Does anyone know the safest way of transporting it--it is extremely old (maybe 10 years).  I'm sorry I've let it go for so long but want it out of my apartment at the earliest opportunity.

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SuperMIK
New Contributor II

Re: How to safely dispose of isopropyl alchohol?

Hopefully you've gotten an answer or disposed of your isopropyl by now. If not, it is as safe to transport as the day you brought it home from the store, actually safer (or more dilute). Simply take the container to your local Hazardous Waste disposal site, if you don't want to use if for a household deodorizer as described above. 

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PLBechly
New Contributor II

Re: How to safely dispose of isopropyl alchohol?

Well written post. Thank you.

Paul L Bechly is an American author who provides independent research through Azeas Consulting. His professional experience includes careers with DuPont and Morgan Stanley.
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jamesalska3435
New Contributor

Re: How to safely dispose of isopropyl alchohol?

Safely disposing of isopropyl alcohol (also known as rubbing alcohol) is important to prevent environmental contamination and potential hazards. Here are some steps you can take to dispose of isopropyl alcohol safely: Check Local Regulations: Before disposing of isopropyl alcohol, check your local regulations and guidelines for hazardous waste disposal. Different regions may have specific requirements for handling and disposing of chemical waste of rope hero

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leoncharle72
New Contributor

Re: How to safely dispose of isopropyl alchohol?

It's great that you're being cautious about disposing of the expired isopropyl alcohol. Since you can't drop it off at a waste facility right now, you might want to check https://blogbuzzz.com/ if any local pharmacies or hazardous waste disposal centers accept it.

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