Such a procedure must be executed within a working fume hood and should not involve materials that yield explosive or flammable residues. The organic compounds listed on the following pages are readily biodegradable. Ketones Ketones with less than 6 carbon atoms Nitriles Acetonitrile Propionitrile Sulfonic Acids Sodium or potassium salts of most are acceptable Inorganic Compounds Compounds of any ions listed below which are strongly acidic or basic should be neutralized before being disposed of in a sanitary sewer drain. If other methods of waste minimization are inappropriate for your particular situation, a final option may be chemical treatment of the hazardous waste generated during use. All of the treatment procedures identified below necessitate the involvement of an individual experienced in such activities.
Neutralization involving acids and bases is the most common type of treatment.
Adjustments in pH can be made to neutralize a highly acidic or highly alkaline solution. A final pH level of between 6 and 9 is desirable. Disposing of these materials may then be accomplished through normal means. Precipitates from these reactions may need to be treated more effectively in a formal disposal mode. The major factors involved when considering recycling are whether sufficient quantities of recyclable wastes are being generated to warrant the expense of appropriate distillation equipment and whether the quality of the recycled material is acceptable for reuse.