How to Dispose of Botulism in Jars

The toxin produced by the bacteria clostridium botulinum is one of the most highly toxic natural substances on the planet. Even a tiny amount in your food or absorbed through the skin, eyes or mucous membranes can cause severe neurological damage, paralysis and death. Contaminated food should never be eaten. Food and containers that you believe have been contaminated with clostridium botulinum should be disposed of carefully in a place where they will not come into contact with people or animals.

Things You'll Need

• Gloves
• Sealable bags
• Tape
• Bleach

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Instructions

• 1

  Handle with care. Always use disposable latex or rubber gloves to handle any food, jar or other container that has been contaminated by or come in contact with clostridium botulinum. Do not touch your skin or eyes while wearing the gloves and dispose of them immediately after use.

• 2

  Double bag. The best way to dispose of contaminated food and containers is to put them into a sealable plastic bag and then seal the bag in a second sealable bag. Then lightly tape the outer bag to ensure it won't be opened and won't leak.

• 3

  Deposit in nonrecyclable trash. Deposit your taped, double-bagged contaminants in a dumpster or trash bin that contains only nonrecyclable trash. Use a bin that is outside your home and inaccessible to children and pets.

• 4

  Disinfect nondisposable containers. If you absolutely must keep a jar or other nondisposable container that held contaminated food, you must disinfect the container carefully. Allow it to soak in a diluted bleach solution of a quarter cup bleach to every two cups of water for at least 15 minutes. Boiling will also kill the bacteria but not necessarily all its spores.