Acetone can be helpful and can serve as a suitable solvent in removing nail polish, stains, paint, oil, marker, and ink. We can apply it to different surfaces such as plastic, glass, and metal. It is practical and has lower toxicity. However, acetone can be dangerous and can harm the environment if it is not disposed of properly.
What exactly is acetone?
Acetone is also known as Propanone. It is a colorless liquid that we can use in household products, industrial, and plastic manufacturers. We use acetone in the field of cosmetics and the industry of textile.
We can also use acetone to make the lacquer solution less viscous. It has been marked as safe to use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the United States. In addition, there were no significant health consequences associated with exposures expected to arise from the occasional, intermittent use of some acetone-containing products.
Is acetone dangerous?
There are instances wherein you need to open the windows or wear a mask when using acetone. Although it has less toxicity, it can still cause breathing problems. Acetone is also flammable, meaning if a flame comes closer, it would probably catch fire.
Disposing acetone properly is necessary because if you don’t, your garbage may light up in no time. Leaked acetone on the ground may also cause the soil to be infertile, damaging the environment.
Upon learning what acetone is and its danger, luckily, we can avoid such problems by learning how to dispose of used acetone in the following section properly.
How to Dispose of Used Acetone?
Households use a small amount of acetone. However, companies and businesses that used acetone as one of their ingredients consume a significant amount. Disposing of used acetone depends on the amount you consume.
The steps below will guide you in disposing of acetone when you are in a household and the establishment.
Disposing of Used Acetone inside Your Home
1. Squeeze the cotton balls
Squeeze the cotton balls out for further protection if you’re using cotton balls to apply the acetone. Keep the cotton balls in one tight lid metal container while the loose acetone is in another. That container now is hazardous garbage.
Yes, it may take a little more time and effort, but it will be well worth it. After all, the acetone won’t be intense in a single location with something as explosive as cotton balls.
2. Put the used acetone in a trash bag.
Place the cotton balls or swabs in a small trash bag, tightly close the bag, and throw it away. Make sure you throw the trash bag as hazardous garbage because, again, it is flammable.
Avoid exposure to acetone and other hazardous wastes by using trashcans with self-opening and shutting lids.
3. Wash your hands
After disposing of an acetone product, wash your hands. Washing hands is a crucial step in the acetone disposal process.
Washing your hands is essential for your health even after you’ve thrown away and stored all of your products. You don’t want that dangerous chemical on your hands when you’re eating. After using nail polish remover, wash your hands with soap and water.
Disposing Used Acetone inside an Establishment
1. Wear a mask and butyl rubber gloves
Before disposing of the acetone, do not forget to wear protective equipment such as gloves and a mask. A large amount of acetone can be harmful, so you have to protect yourself from the substances. Butyl rubber gloves are the best because of their high chemical resistance. Using a mask is necessary to avoid breathing problems and headaches.
2. Put the used acetone in a metal container.
You don’t want any of the acetone to leak. Make sure you double the bag of the metal container before disposing of it to have double protection.
It’s almost impossible for it to leak out of the metal container. If it does, the bag will provide some additional protection.
It would be best if you used metal containers to store the acetone. Because acetone is such a strong chemical, it will chew through any other container it comes into contact with.
It could likely get through a standard plastic container in a matter of hours. Indeed, it is harmful and has no protection at all.
3. Find a hazardous waste disposal facility.
In some parts of the United States, throwing a large amount of acetone in a trash bag is illegal, so you must find a hazardous waste disposal facility. They are experts in disposing of a large amount of acetone in a much safer process.
You don’t have to worry about where to find this facility because it is scattered all around the country, so it is accessible.
Once you’ve dropped off the acetone, the hazardous waste disposal facility will ensure that it is disposed of correctly. It usually means that the acetone will be kept in a huge metal container.
4. Wash your hands
Do not forget to wash your hands after dropping off the used acetone in the facility. Use water and soap to wash your hands and to remove any remaining chemicals. Any remaining chemical can be harmful when mixed with your food, water, and other things, so you have to clean up to make sure everything is clean and ready to go.
Acetone can be very helpful and, at the same time, dangerous. You have to dispose of it properly to avoid harming yourself, other people, and the environment. You also have to remember that using it comes with a responsibility to handle it properly. Fortunately, this article will help you to be knowledgeable in terms of disposing of used acetone.
Hazardous waste disposal facility also contributes to the whole process of disposing of a large amount of acetone. You must not hesitate to come and ask for help from them. Above all, keep in mind that we can dispose of a small amount of acetone in an ordinary trash can. However, an enormous amount requires professional help.
