Disposal of chemicals

[Krysia Lee]

This is one thing I get confused with. (Or I should say another thing I get confused with) I've just made a saturated potassium nitrate solution. I'm looking at disposal. In CSIS it says waste solution may disposed of down the sink. Chemwatch MSDS says to treat a 3% solution with sulfuric acid to make a pH2 then treat with sodium bisulfite etc etc at the end it still doesn't say what to do with the concoction you've got. What does everyone else do with this sort of stuff?
Krysia

[Ian]

I think I would put it down the sink!

Cheers
Ian

[Ocean Breeze]

Hi Krysia Lee

The MSDS will have disposal information see below

POTASSIUM NITRATE SOLUTION (SATURATED)

Hazard Alert Code:
MODERATE
Chemwatch Section Revision No: 3 Chemwatch 4668-36
Issue Date: 21-Apr-2006 CD 2010/1

15
Section 13 - DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS

â–  For small quantities of oxidising agent:
Cautiously acidify a 3% solution to pH 2 with sulfuric acid.
Gradually add a 50% excess of sodium bisulfite solution with stirring.
Add a further 10% sodium bisulfite.
If no further reaction occurs (as indicated by a rise in temperature) cautiously add more acid.
Containers may still present a chemical hazard/ danger when empty.
Return to supplier for reuse/ recycling if possible.
Otherwise:
If container can not be cleaned sufficiently well to ensure that residuals do not remain or if the container cannot be used to store the same product, then puncture containers, to prevent re-use, and bury at an authorised landfill.
Where possible retain label warnings and MSDS and observe all notices pertaining to the product.

Depends how much youre looking to dispose of?
Theres always the option of setting aside for your next chemical disposal pick up.
Whats your schools disposal system for unwanted chemicals that cant be treated onsite?

BUT! In answer to your question, if it were me...and a smallish amount, I would bottle it up until my next required use- and save waste as well as the environment ..as long as it wasnt contaminated

[fibreweb]

If it was me I'd label it and keep it for future use.
If you needed it this year there is a very good chance you will need it next year also.
I have a bottle of saturated Potassium Nitrate permanently in my collection of stock solutions.

Wendy

[noona]

I agree with Wendy keep it you never know when you might need it again

[Labbie]

I would keep, in a amble bottle, label with the date, may be useful.

[Ian]

Ooops! I'm out numbered. I must have spent too many years in the country. Perhaps my attitude is a little too casual about these things?

Do what the other girls say, Krysia, and you generally will stay out of trouble. (sorry if i misled you, but your question had been sitting there unanswered for a few days, so it is probably good that I "woke it up" for you. Now you have some good info to play with.!)

Happy Labbing
Ian

[Ocean Breeze]

Good save Ian!

But I know what the problem was.. it was only 10am and you hadnt had time to wake up yet and digest the question ... you needed a good coffee! ha ha!

[Ian]

Shhhhhhh Rainbow-sky!
Don't let it out that I am fallible. Someone from MY school might be reading!

Ian

[Ocean Breeze]

Hi Ian!

Notice that many of us have ingognito identities

THATS why!

Why dont you try it...go on, you know you want to ! You can also have cool avatar that expresses the "new you!"

[smiley]

Not many creatures cooler than a polar bear!

[Ocean Breeze]

I will pay that one Smiley!