How to Safely Get Rid of Rubbing Alcohol

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Properly dispose of isopropyl alcohol with these methods
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Rubbing alcohol, also known as isopropyl alcohol, is super useful for cleaning and sanitizing different surfaces. Unfortunately, opened bottles are only good for 2 to 3 years. While it’s a pretty common staple in many households, this substance is considered hazardous household waste. With a few extra precautions, you can safely toss out or store any rubbing alcohol in your home without hurting the environment.

Can you pour rubbing alcohol down the drain?

No, you can’t pour rubbing alcohol down the drain. Most rubbing alcohol is 60% isopropyl alcohol, making it a flammable, hazardous waste. Pouring a substance that’s above 5% alcohol down the drain can be extremely dangerous.

Section 1 of 5:

Can isopropyl alcohol be put down the sink?

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  1. Most rubbing alcohol is at least 60% alcohol and can’t go down the sink. Rubbing alcohol is typically around 60% isopropyl alcohol, meaning that it cannot be safely poured down the drain. However, it can be if there’s less than 5% alcohol in the solution. Check the ingredients list of your rubbing alcohol. If it has less than 5% alcohol, empty it into the sink. If it has more than 5% alcohol, consider alternative disposal methods. [1]
    • Any substance or solution above 5% alcohol shouldn’t be dumped down the drain because it’s flammable and can be hazardous to aquatic life and the ecosystem.
    • If you do dispose of your rubbing alcohol down the drain, make sure to run or pour water down the drain afterward to flush it through the pipes. [2]
    • Pouring a hazardous chemical down the drain should be done with caution, even if it’s regulated, as it may result in liquid and vapors that cause fires and explosions. [3]
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Section 2 of 5:

How to Get Rid of Rubbing Alcohol Safely

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  1. Make sure that the bottle has no leaks or cracks as you get it ready for transport. If the container isn’t labeled, use a separate label or permanent marker to write “rubbing alcohol” or “isopropyl alcohol” on the front. [4]
    • You can purchase labels online or in an office supply store.
  2. Check online to see if there’s a drop-off center or collection facility for household waste, like rubbing alcohol. Make a plan to stop by during their hours of operation, where you can give them the sealed, labeled containers of rubbing alcohol. [5]
    • These plants will incinerate the rubbing alcohol safely so it doesn’t hurt the environment.
  3. If your container contains less than 5% rubbing alcohol, pour it into a utility sink, toilet, or other sanitary drain. After dumping the alcohol, pour a lot of water down the drain to dilute the alcohol. [6]
    • You may want to wear eyeglasses and gloves when you flush the rubbing alcohol.
    • If you pour 1 cup (240 mL) of rubbing alcohol down the drain, be sure to flush it out with 10 to 20 cups (2,400 to 4,700 mL) of water afterward.
    • Never pour rubbing alcohol into a storm sewer.
    • Many standard rubbing alcohol containers are over 50% concentrated, so this option might not work for everyone. [7]
  4. Throw out your rubbing alcohol if your local government recommends it. Visit the waste management or recycling portion of your city’s website to see if they have a list of items considered “trash” or “recyclable.” [8] Some websites have an encyclopedia or other type of guide that lets you search for different items, including rubbing alcohol
    • If your local government doesn’t specify how to dispose of rubbing alcohol, be on the safe side and bring the sealed container to a household hazardous waste site.
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Section 3 of 5:

Taking Proper Safety Precautions

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  1. Keep the alcohol in a sturdy, closed bottle or container in a place that doesn’t get a lot of direct light. Make sure that there are no ignition or heat sources near the rubbing alcohol that could cause an explosion in the long run. [9]
    • A dark closet or cabinet is a great place to keep the rubbing alcohol.
  2. Wait for the sand or dirt to absorb the alcohol, then transfer it to a sealable, airtight container. Once you’ve done this, throw the container in the trash.
    • If you want to be extra cautious, bring any container to the nearest hazardous waste plant. [10]
  3. Rinse out the bottle with cold water so there’s no leftover alcohol or vapor inside. Once the container is completely clean, drop it off in your recycling bin. [11]
  4. If you spill any on your skin, rinse the affected area and clean it off with soap and water. If you get some alcohol in your eyes, splash some water or saline for 20 minutes or so. [12]
    • If you feel a lot of pain or irritation in the affected area, consider visiting a doctor or healthcare professional.

    Tip: If you inhale rubbing alcohol by accident, go outside and breathe in some fresh air.

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Section 4 of 5:

What is rubbing alcohol?

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  1. Rubbing alcohol is a diluted version of isopropyl alcohol. Isopropyl alcohol is a strong disinfectant solution with a sharp, musty odor. It’s often used to make cosmetics, skin and hair products, cleaners, and pharmaceuticals. [13] Rubbing alcohol is a mixture of water and isopropyl alcohol that can be purchased by percentage. For example, 70% rubbing alcohol is 70 parts isopropyl alcohol and 30 parts water.
    • What is rubbing alcohol used for? Most commonly, rubbing alcohol is used to clean cuts and wounds. It can also be used to clean and disinfect surfaces.
    • Is isopropyl alcohol considered hazardous waste? Yes, rubbing alcohol or isopropyl alcohol is considered a hazardous waste.
Section 5 of 5:

Does isopropyl alcohol expire?

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  1. Yes, isopropyl alcohol does expire. Each bottle of isopropyl alcohol or rubbing alcohol has an expiration date, which is generally 2 to 3 years from the creation or manufacturing date. This is because the alcohol inside the solution becomes less potent over time. The longer the product is open, the faster the alcohol fades and loses its disinfecting benefits. [14]
    • Can you use expired isopropyl alcohol? You could use expired isopropyl alcohol, but it won’t have the same disinfecting strength. It’s best to dispose of the old bottle and purchase a new one.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://ehs.yale.edu/sites/default/files/files/drain-disposal-chemicals.pdf
      2. ↑ https://www.ars.usda.gov/northeast-area/docs/she/acceptable-drain-disposal-procedures/
      3. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/hw/how-dispose-and-recycle-alcohol-based-hand-sanitizer
      4. ↑ https://nj.gov/health/eoh/rtkweb/documents/fs/1076.pdf
      5. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/hw/how-dispose-and-recycle-alcohol-based-hand-sanitizer
      6. ↑ https://ehs.yale.edu/sites/default/files/files/sanitary-sewar-disposal.pdf
      7. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/infection-control/hcp/disinfection-sterilization/chemical-disinfectants.html
      8. ↑ https://www.portlandmaine.gov/553/Curbside-Recycling#!rc-cpage=207864
      9. ↑ https://nj.gov/health/eoh/rtkweb/documents/fs/1076.pdf
      1. ↑ https://nj.gov/health/eoh/rtkweb/documents/fs/1076.pdf
      2. ↑ https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/alcohol-based-handrub-risks-hazards
      3. ↑ https://www.ehs.com/2015/02/isopropyl-alcohol-safety-tips/
      4. ↑ https://www.nj.gov/health/eoh/rtkweb/documents/fs/1076.pdf
      5. ↑ https://www.sciencetimes.com/articles/46232/20230928/rubbing-alcohol-expire-still-use-expiration-date.htm

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