Never put liquid wastes into the trash or down the drain unless instructed to do so by local waste officials.  Improperly disposed of liquid wastes can contaminate our water resources and the environment.  The best way to manage most liquid products is to use them or store them for later use.  However, if approved by local solid waste and air quality officials, the following solidification procedure may be used for small quantities of some products.
A word of caution:  This option may cause harm to human health and the environment if the described procedures are not followed carefully.

 

Materials Needed:
  • Protective gloves, such as nitrile or chemical-resistant gloves
  • Bucket or sturdy cardboard box that can be discard
  • Stirring stick
  • a nonflammable absorbent, such as clay-based cat box filler

WARNING:  Do not use paper-based products (such as newspapers) as absorbents, because they could spontaneously combust.
Safety Precautions
  • Solidify liquid wastes in well-ventilated areas which are inaccessible to children and animals.  Do not solidify liquid waste in a basement or inside the house.  If you should feel dizzy or nauseous while solidifying, take a fresh air break.
  • Do not solidify liquid waste in a garage or shed where there are sources of heat, spark, flame or ignition.  These sources include water heaters, light switches, pilot lights and motors.  Volatile, reactive or flammable chemicals can concentrate in an inadequately ventilated room and explode or cause a fire.
  • Do not smoke or drink alcoholic beverages while solidifying.
  • Avoid inhalation of vapors.  If you can smell the product, you are breathing it, so increase the amount of ventilation in the work area.
  • Wear protective gloves to avoid skin contact while handling the product.  Wash hands and any exposed skin after handling.
  • NEVER solidify more than one type of liquid waste at a time.
Procedures
  • To solidify small quantities of liquid, such as an inch or two in the bottom of a can, simply remove the lid, add nonflammable absorbent (kitty litter) and stir until all of the liquid is absorbed.  Allow to dry.  Place the dry can and lid along side or on top of your trash destined for the landfill.  Leave the lid off the can so that the hauler can see that it is dry.  Make sure the liquid waste is dry and hard, not just absorbed.
  • For larger quantities of liquid, mix nonflammable absorbent and the product in a bucket or sturdy cardboard box lined with a garbage bag and stir.  It will be easier if you pour some absorbent in the bottom of the container and add the liquid slowly while stirring.  Continue to alternate the absorbent liquid and stirring.  The end product should be similar in texture to the absorbent.  When the liquid is solidified, place the absorbent and container inside a garbage bag, seal it tightly and dispose of it in the trash destined for the landfill.

 

 

For more information, please contact:

GEAUGA-TRUMBULL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

5138 Enterprise Boulevard

Warren, OH 44481

Phone: (330) 675-2673 or 1-800-707-2673

Fax: (330) 675-2672

Email: GTSWMD@startrecycling.com