Q&A for How to Dispose of Acid Safely

Dress for work in the laboratory. Wear clothing and shoes that cover exposed skin and can protect you from potential splashes. Tie back long hair, jewelry, or anything that may catch in equipment. Never eat food, drink beverages, chew gum, apply cosmetics (including lip balm), or handle contact lenses in the laboratory.

Your local pool company may be willing to dispose of the acid, or your local waste management plant may take the acid to use.

First, look for signs of corrosion: are there any changes as to how the pot looked before (roughed up surface,...)? Foaming, bubbles or heat when the acid had contact with the pot is another sign of a chemical reaction. If this has occurred, discard the pot. If it looks fine and you have thoroughly washed it with water, you can use it again.

The label must have a number on it, so check there first. If not, call the local hazardous waste collection site to arrange a drop off.