How to Dispose of Oxalic Acid Solution
At some point, you may have to use oxalic acid for a cleaning project in your home (it is especially useful for cleaning rust stains out of concrete). Should this be the case, properly dispose of the acid or acid solution you have made. Oxalic acid is a Class A organic chemical, a carboxylic acid.
Although it is an acid, it is readily biodegradable when properly diluted and neutralized.
Things You Will Need
- Ice water
- Baking soda
- Litmus paper
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Dilute the oxalic acid. Pour the acid into a larger container of ice water. Pouring acid into water eliminates the risk of boiling and splashing that can result from pouring water into acid. Always pour acid into water and not the other way around.
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Neutralize the oxalic acid. Slowly pour baking soda into the dilute. It will begin to bubble. Continue adding baking soda until the bubbling stops.
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Test the pH. Using litmus paper, dip the strip into the solution until it reaches a pH of at least 5.5. It is best to continue adding baking soda until the solution reaches a pH of 7 (neutral on the pH scale), but a pH of at least 5.5 is safe to pour down the drain.
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Pour down the drain. At this point, the solution has been neutralized and no longer poses a toxicity hazard. Pour down the drain while flushing with lots of excess water. Up to 100 g or 100ml at a time are suitable for flushing down the drain while flushing with excess water.
Warning
Wear personal protective gear at all times. Cover clothing, skin and eyes.
Work slowly. Do not rush the dilution or neutralization process.
The Drip Cap
- At some point, you may have to use oxalic acid for a cleaning project in your home (it is especially useful for cleaning rust stains out of concrete).
- Oxalic acid is a Class A organic chemical, a carboxylic acid.
- Pour the acid into a larger container of ice water.
- It is best to continue adding baking soda until the solution reaches a pH of 7 (neutral on the pH scale), but a pH of at least 5.5 is safe to pour down the drain.
References
Writer Bio
Based in Fort Collins, Colo., Dannah Swift has been writing since 2009. She writes about green living, careers and the home garden. Her writing has appeared on various websites. She holds a Master of Arts in English literature from the University of New Hampshire and is currently pursuing a certificate in paralegal studies.
Photo Credits
- Digital Vision./Digital Vision/Getty Images
- Digital Vision./Digital Vision/Getty Images
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