How do I dispose of acetic acid?

Disposing of Acetic Acid Safely

When you are working in the lab, getting rid of chemical waste properly is just as important as running the experiment itself. For acetic acid, the disposal method depends entirely on its concentration and whether it has been mixed with any other substances.

If you are dealing with dilute, household-strength vinegar, you can typically flush it down the drain with plenty of water. However, if the acetic acid is too concentrated or has become contaminated with other chemicals, you cannot pour it down the drain. Doing so can damage plumbing or cause hazardous reactions.

Instead, you need to collect it in a proper waste container. If you are in room 303B, you can find suitable containers stored right under the west sink. Once the chemical is safely inside the bottle, you must fill out an EH&S Hazardous Waste Label completely and adhere it securely to the outside of the bottle before leaving it for collection.