How to Get Rid of Xylene

Available at most hardware stores in the paint section, xylene is a solvent that consists of a mixture of three forms of dimethylbenzene. In addition to being extremely flammable, xylene readily vaporizes and can cause serious health problems when inhaled, including headaches, dizziness, tumor formation and birth defects. Xylene also has the ability to leach into soil, contaminating relatively large areas. It is essential that consumers follow safe xylene disposal methods.

Things You'll Need

• Empty Paint Can
• Hammer

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Instructions

• 1

  Visit Earth911, an online directory of recycling centers across the United States. There is a link in the Resources section.

• 2

  Type "Hazardous" in the text field under "Find Recycling Centers For."

• 3

  Enter your ZIP code in the text field under "Near." Click "Search."

• 4

  Click on the "Solvents" button in the drop-down menu.

• 5

  Find the recycling center closest to you and note its address.

• 6

  Pour the xylene into an empty paint can and hammer the can's lid firmly into place.

• 7

  Take the can to the recycling center and follow the posted instructions for where to leave it.