How to Dispose of Benzene

Benzene is a dangerous, highly volatile and toxic chemical substance. It is also flammable and a known carcinogen. If you need to dispose of it, leave it to the professionals, as even the vapors are hazardous. In the meantime, keep the benzene well-secured and away from heat, with a firmly secured lid so the vapors will not escape. Store it in the garage or shed, away from living areas if you can. Do not open the container, and if you have to open it for any reason do so in a highly ventilated area and away from any possible source of ignition. Benzene should never be poured down the drain or into a sewer, because it is an explosion hazard. To dispose of the benzene, look in your area for professional disposal options that you can utilize. Use caution in transporting the benzene if you need to take it to a professional disposal site.

Instructions

Disposing of Benzene

• 1

  Search in your community locally for landfills that take dangerous substances and see if they accept benzene. There may be specified days or times of the year they will collect chemicals like benzene or other dangerous or toxic solvents for disposal. There may be fees involved for accepting the benzene, so check ahead of time.

• 2

  Some communities will do curbside pick-ps of these substances, so check what the regulations are in your area and what the times are for the pick-up. There may be specific rules regarding the containers as well.

• 3

  Contact a private waste disposal company in your area to find out if they will accept it and what the costs are. Keep it local to avoid the hassle of shipping the benzene.

• 4

  Investigate if local laboratories in your area have a need of benzene or will accept it for laboratory use.