Water Quality District - Hazardous Waste
Acids
What are they?
Acids are found in several household cleaning compounds: pool chemicals, solvents, wet cell batteries, radiator flushers and other cleaners. Such items may include muriatic acid, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, and sulfuric acid.
How To Identify Them?
Read the label and look for signal words: Caution, Warning, Danger, and Poison. These signal words indicate the level of hazard (caution is the least hazardous compared to poison, which is highly toxic). Use the least hazardous product for the job. Read the instructions on how to use the product and use the correct amount. Remember, you won’t get twice the results by using twice the product.
Safety Notes
- Do not mix household cleaners and/or chemicals. Mixing household cleaners can cause toxic gases. For example do not mix products containing bleach with products containing ammonia. Another deadly combination to be aware of is mixing an acid with a cyanide product. Keep acids and cyanides separate.
- If you have picric acid or hydrofluoric acid, call the Missoula Wastewater Treatment Facility for assistance. Some acids alone are very dangerous. Years ago, picric acid was used by some farmers as an antiseptic/veterinary aid. Picric acid can be highly explosive. Do not attempt to open or move old containers of picric acid. Hydrofluoric acid is a highly toxic, highly corrosive, colorless, fuming liquid found in many aluminum cleaners and rust removers. Hydrofluoric acid acts differently from all other acids and can produce first degree burns that may not become apparent for up to 24 hours. Exposure will result in serious health effects. Immediately flush with water and seek immediate medical attention upon contact with hydrofluoric acid.
Disposal Options
Dispose:
- Contact the Missoula Wastewater Treatment Facility (258-4880), for information on how to safely dispose.
- Annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event: Bring to Haz Waste Days in September.
The Residential Disposal Guide is provided by the Missoula Valley Water Quality District as a public service and is not an endorsement of specific businesses, services or products. Any omissions or inaccuracies are unintentional. Please contact us with corrections or additions. Call businesses or agencies to confirm hours, locations and charges for services, if any. For information on disposal of items not listed, email or call the Water Quality District at 406-258-4890, M - F, 8 am to 5 pm.
Much of the information provided is from the Washington County, MN, Dept. of Public Health and Environment website.
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