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Some chemicals are not compatible with
others. Chemical reactions are fairly common in waste collection containers.
Incompatible materials may burst into flames immediately or hours after
mixing; emit noxious or toxic gases; or simply bubble and fizz out of the
container making a mess.
As a rule, do not mix or store the
following chemical classes together:
- Acids and alkalies
- Bleaches
- Oxidizing agents
- Reducing agents
- Solvents and
flammables
Learn about which materials are
incompatible when mixed together and which are not. Numerous lists and
tables of incompatible chemical types have been compiled.
The following are specific
incompatibilities:
- Ammonia with
hypochlorite bleach;
- Nitric acid with
acetic acid;
- Nitric acid with
sulphuric acid;
- 1-Butanol with strong
mineral acids;
- n-Butylamine with
copper and copper alloys;
- n-n-Dimethyl formamide
with halogenated hydrocarbons;
- Ethyl acetate with
strong alkalies;
- Ethylene Dichloride
with oxidizing materials;
- Ethylene glycol with
sulphuric acid;
- MEK peroxide (hardener
for polyester casting resin) with anything flammable;
- 1,1,1 Trichloroethane
with caustic soda and caustic potash.
Do not use these chemicals at all:
- benzene (benzine, the
petroleum thinner, is safe - remember, benzine is fine, benzene is mean);
- carbon tetrachloride;
- chloroform;
- pyridine;
- phenol (carbolic
acid);
- perchloric acid;
- hydrofluoric acid (If
hydrofluoric acid must be used, be aware that it is lethal and its vapors
can pass through your bones. It will eat through glass and dissolve
silicon. It is an absolute must to wear protective clothing. This acid is
considered an extremely hazardous material.)
How To Find Help
Assistance should be available in your area
for advice on how to collect, containerize and dispose
of hazardous waste. Try looking first in the telephone book for the State
Department of Health Services or equivalent, the local fire department, a
waste management company or waste hauler. Waste management companies and
haulers must be registered with the state and with the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA.) There may be a consultant fee for services
rendered.
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