How Do I Dispose of Acetone?

Before you throw an old bottle of nail polish or furniture lacquer away, you should consider the threat it could pose to the environment. Acetone is a solvent found in common household products such as nail polish, nail polish remover, lacquer and degreasers. When disposed of improperly, acetone products often end up in landfills, causing water contamination and various health risks. It is simple to dispose of acetone properly by contacting a hazardous waste disposal facility. Find your local hazardous waste disposal facility by contacting your city's waste management department or the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Things You'll Need

• Sealed plastic container

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Instructions

• 1

  Gather the acetone products you need to dispose of. Ensure that each product is tightly closed. Put on protective gear --- gloves and goggles --- if contact with skin or the eyes is a possibility.

• 2

  Place the acetone products in a sealed plastic container.

• 3

  Store the sealed container in a dry, non-smoking and isolated place, away from children, pets or fire.

• 4

  Take the sealed container to the disposal facility. Use caution as you transport the container so that none of the acetone containers open or break. If none of the acetone products break inside of the sealed container, reuse it for another time. If any products spill, dispose of the container as well.