Question: How does one dispose of rust/blue remover safely?

[wowilson]

I am considering de-bluing some parts and have already purchased Brownell's rust/ blue remover. I haven't been able to find any info on what to do with the solution after use. What say ye?

 

[Brian Marshall]

Take it to the nearest nuclear (or nook-U-lar as Bush pronounces it) waste disposal site...

Be a waste of time ('nother pun) but you can make a nice trip out of it.

Take a picnic basket... and maybe a radiation badge?


Brian

 

[Ron Spokovich]

Rather than go to some professional disposal service, which is too costly, as the Germans found out, here's what we used to do with our watch cleaning solutions. We got 4-5 gallons of clean, fine sawdust, per bucket, and slowly (outdoors) poured the particular solution slowly into each, just below the saturation point while mixing it up. Let the volatiles evaporate, and the stuff then becomes a 'solid' that you can put out with the weekly trash pick-up. Never had a problem. You don't want to pour it down the drains, as the local fire department might swing around the neighborhood. So far, no complaints, and the stuff winds up in the landfills--you know, the places the birds won't even fly over.

 

[dlilazteca]

since i use a toilet bowl cleaner, i just use it to clean the bowl one last time

Saludos,
Carlos

 

[atexascowboy2011]

This is a joke, right?
If you're serious, you can call the local firehouse and ask them if you can drop it off.
Me, I'd just flush it like Carlos said or pour it out on your lawn or your neighbor's.

 

[wowilson]

It is not a joke. There are many things that you could pour down your toilet that you probably shouldn't. I am looking for a way to not end up with 50 gallons of semi hazardous waste filling up my garage. I like Ron's idea about the saw dust, and I think I'll go that route. Thanks

 

[Chujybear]

Way to be a good citizen!

 

[Sandy]

Before you do anything why not call tech support at Brownells and ask them what they recommend for a disposal process for their product.

 

[wowilson]

I looked at the MSDS, basically it said don't put it down the sink. The reason why I don't call them is I figured there must be 300 people on this forum that use the stuff and I was looking for practical advice.

 

[Mike Fennell]

Blue removers are simply mild acids -- the label will tell you which acid. You can neutralize it with soda or ammonia and dispose of it as you wish.

 

[Beathard]

Phosphoric acid is what they mack toilet bowl cleaners out of.

 

[dogcatcher]

Most larger towns have facilities to accept hazardous wastes. Ours does it about twice a year, I save the crap for when they do, then take it to them.

 

[Andrew Biggs]

How do you end up with 50 gallons??.............De-bluing a tank?????

A word of caution with this stuff as it is a very mild acid. Make sure you seal the lid properly by putting tape around it to really seal it off. If the fumes escape they will rust everything around it over a period of time...........ask me how I know this!!!!!

Cheers
Andrew

 

[Dulltool]

Why don't you just save it and reuse it on future projects?

 

[MICHAEL]

I buy a few ounces at a time from Brownells. I usually run out and have to remove blueing with 555 white on a loose Muslin wheel. You need to be careful around holes and edges.

 

[don hicks]

At one time, the thought was " The solution to pollution is dilution" . Thank goodness there are people who now consider the repercussions of their actions. Keep your grand-children in mind before you dispose of potentially toxic waste. Just me 2 cents.
Cheers
Don

 

[dlilazteca]

Blue removers are simply mild acids -- the label will tell you which acid. You can neutralize it with soda or ammonia and dispose of it as you wish.

Yep, Arm and hammer will neutralize it, its deactivated and thats it, its a very mild acid to begin with. This what i use.

Price is right

Saludos,
Carlos

 

[Toad]

It's toilet bowl cleaner.

 

[monk]

carlos, old pal : do you make house calls ? i have a job for you, buddy !

 

[dlilazteca]

Todd,

Yes it is, works great to remove bluing and rust, its meant to clean and be flushed.

Monk,

Plumming is charged by the hour 3 hour minimum at 35 an hour.

Saludos,
Carlos