Disposal Of Boric Acid

Boric acid occurs naturally as a component of many minerals, in sea water, many plants, and in almost all fruits. Industrial preparation of boric acid is done by treating borax with a mineral acid, such as muriatic acid. Boric acid, usually sold in the form of colorless crystals, finds uses as an antiseptic, flame retardant, insecticide and as a precursor for certain chemicals in industry.

Step 1

Put on a safety goggles, lab coat and a particulate respirator; where exposure to mist or dust is obvious. Use an air-supplied respirator when exposure levels are not known.

Step 2

Shovel, sweep or scoop up boric acid and collect it in an appropriate glass or plastic container for disposal.

Step 3

Dilute the sample with large amount of water and flush to sanitary sewer if you are disposing of a small amount of boric acid. Use landfill sites as well to dispose of small quantities of boric acid.

Step 4

Consult local regulating authorities when dealing with large amounts of boric acid. Get proper advice from them since disposal rules vary a great deal from federal disposal regulations for different states. Manufacturers' boric acid material safety data sheet also recommend not spilling tonnage quantities to landfills.