How to Dispose of Bleach

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Safely dispose of unwanted or expired bleach and containers
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Disposing of your bleach can be done easily in a few simple steps.

Bleach can be poured down the kitchen sink or toilet, just as long as it's diluted with water. An even better way to get rid of your bleach is to give it away to someone else who needs it, such as a friend, family member, or local community center.

Best Way to Safely Dispose of Bleach

  • Run water in a kitchen sink and slowly pour bleach down the drain.
  • Alternatively, pour small amounts in the toilet and flush.
  • Do not mix bleach with other chemicals, only water.
  • Check the empty bleach container for a recyclable label. Otherwise, throw it in the trash.
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Pouring out the Bleach

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  1. If you’re choosing to pour the bleach down your kitchen drain, turn on the faucet first. With the water running steadily, begin slowly pouring the bleach down the drain until the container is empty. Once you’re finished, let the water run for another couple of seconds before turning off the faucet. [1]
    • Avoid pouring the bleach down the drain without diluting it with water.
  2. This works especially well for smaller amounts of bleach. Uncap the bleach and pour it into your toilet bowl before flushing the toilet. [2]
    • If you’re pouring down more than 0.25 gallons (0.95 L) of the bleach, try to flush it down the toilet in two separate flushes.
    • If your toilet bowl doesn’t have a significant amount of water in it to begin with, fill a cup with water and pour it into the toilet bowl along with the bleach to help dilute it.
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  3. Bleach is toxic and can react badly when mixed with other things, so only dilute it using water. Flush it down the toilet when the toilet only has water in it, and make sure there’s nothing else in the sink as you’re pouring the bleach out. [3]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Getting Rid of the Container

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  1. Not only should your container of bleach tell you how to dispose of the container, but it should also tell you what to do with the container once you’re done. Look for recycling symbols that indicate it can be placed in a recycling bin. [4]
    • If you see lettering such as “PET” or HDPE,” the container is recyclable.
    • Ask your local recycling facility if they recycle bleach containers if you’re unsure.
  2. Check to make sure the bleach container doesn’t have any bleach left in it before putting the cap back on. It’s a good idea to pour some water into the container, put the cap on tightly, and then shake the container to help remove any leftover bleach. Pour out the water before putting the cap back on a final time. [5]
  3. Even though you’re just putting the container in a trash can, it’s still super important that the container is completely empty. The empty bleach container will be picked up with the rest of your trash.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Using up the Bleach

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  1. Instead of dumping out your unused bleach, check to see if anyone you know personally could use it. You can do this by mentioning it to friends and family in-person or by message, or you can mention it in a social media post. [6]
    • For example, bring the bleach with you when you visit a family member to ask them if they would like the rest of it.
  2. Ask places such as churches, local nursing homes, homeless shelters, or food kitchens if they would like donated bleach. You can do this by calling them, sending them an email, or dropping by to ask in person. [7]
    • If you have a favorite local nonprofit, ask them if they could use your extra bleach.
  3. Websites such as Craigslist will allow you to post a picture and description of your bleach so that others nearby can come pick it up if they need it. You can also check out websites like Freecycle.org which are dedicated to recycling unused items. [8]
    • Try posting on a Facebook classifieds page or group to see if anyone could use your extra bleach.
    • Make it clear that the bleach is free and that the container is not completely full.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Can I dump bleach into my private septic system?
    Community Answer
    No. You will end up killing the "good" bacteria your septic system needs to do its job.
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      Warnings

      • Bleach will irritate your skin badly if it comes in contact, so be careful not to get any on you or your clothing when emptying the container.
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        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
      • Never mix bleach with other liquids that aren't water, such as ammonia.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://erc.cals.wisc.edu/wp-content/blogs.dir/14/files/2017/04/G3455_Solvents-and-Home-Cleaning-Products.pdf
      2. ↑ https://pubs.nmsu.edu/_g/G312.pdf
      3. ↑ https://www.doh.wa.gov/YouandYourFamily/HealthyHome/Contaminants/BleachMixingDangers
      4. ↑ https://www.cleaninginstitute.org/understanding-products/cleaning-product-disposal
      5. ↑ https://blink.ucsd.edu/safety/research-lab/hazardous-waste/empty-containers.html
      6. ↑ https://www.eugene-or.gov/1470/Recycling#!rc-cpage=254538
      7. ↑ https://www.michigan.gov/egle/about/organization/materials-management/hazardous-waste/household
      8. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-dispose-of-bleach/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If you need to get rid of your excess bleach, you can dispose of it in a few easy steps. You can safely pour your bleach down your sink. Just turn on the faucet while you pour it so the bleach gets diluted and doesn’t damage the plumbing. Alternatively, pour it in the toilet bowl and flush it down. Rinse the bottle out and recycle it if it has a recycling logo on it. To get rid of your bleach while helping the environment, ask your friends and neighbors if they can take it off your hands, or donate it to somewhere like a nursing home or homeless shelter. For more tips, including how to give away your bleach online, read on!

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