Hand Sanitizer Disposal Explained (Full Checklist)

Hand Sanitizer Waste Explained

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Expired hand sanitizer is more prevalent than ever following the COVID-19 outbreak, but how do we handle disposal? 

Of the many precautions taken to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasized hand cleanliness and recommended using alcohol based hand sanitizers to protect yourself and others from the illness.

Healthcare facilities rushed to stock up on hand sanitizer to protect their patients and their community. This left a lot of facilities with bulk amounts of expired hand sanitizer.

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Hand Sanitizer is Hazardous

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Hazardous materials are classified by ignitability, corrosivity, toxicity, and reactivity.

The vast majority of hand sanitizers contain more than 60% of ethanol or isopropyl alcohol - which the FDA considers hazardous due to flammability.

Hand sanitizer is classified as a Class 3 Flammable Liquid.

Rightfully so,

According to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, 50 gallons of alcohol based hand sanitizer poured down the drain is enough to cause an explosion - so it is important for hazardous waste generators to dispose of it properly.

It is never a good idea to pour any amount of hand sanitizer down the drain as it is extremely harmful to aquatic life and enough volume can literally cause an explosion.

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Hand Sanitizer Disposal Guidelines

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Since hand sanitizer is classified as ignitable by federal disposal guidelines, it is considered a hazardous waste.

Hazardous wastes require special disposal procedures to protect human health and safety.  

For bulk amounts of expired hand sanitizer, you should contact a hazardous waste disposal company.
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‍Hand sanitizer should be stored in a hazardous waste container, labeled clearly as hazardous waste, and stored in a safe manner away from things that react with the hazardous substance.

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Hazardous Waste Responsibilities

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For all hazardous wastes, you will need to register it with the EPA and get an active EPA number, label and store it properly, and maintain records of destruction.

For biohazardous wastes and hazardous wastes, the generator is responsible for the waste from “cradle to grave.” 

From the point of generation to the final point of disposal, the responsibility is entirely on the generator, so it is recommended to choose a company you trust.

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Options for Disposing of Hand Sanitizer

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Always check your state’s guidelines before taking any action with hazardous waste. What is perfectly legal in one state may result in a massive fine in another.

‍Proper research is an essential part of any waste disposal process.

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Recycling: 

‍Although hand sanitizer does lose effectiveness when it expires, it is worth considering donating to an organization in need. Since it would no longer be considered a waste as it is still in use, you would not need to follow hazardous waste disposal procedures. 

Make sure you coordinate ahead of time with both the organization and research your state's guidelines on the matter.

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Call a Hazardous Waste Service:

A hazardous waste disposal service can help you navigate the disposal process in a proper manner. This makes the most sense for healthcare facilities with considerable amounts of hand sanitizer waste. 

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‍Trash:

‍If you have an extremely small amount of hand sanitizer and it is defined as “RCRA empty” - the EPA allows you to throw it away in the trash. Again, this means that there are only trace amounts and the hand sanitizer container is ultimately empty.