How to Dispose of Acetic Acid
Acetic acid is a common chemical in many research laboratories, as well as industrial, medical, and food production settings. Although acetic acid is not particularly hazardous, it can still pose health and safety risks to humans and the environment. Therefore, proper handling and disposal are highly regulated.

In this article, we’ll explain:
1. what acetic acid is
2. how it is used in various industries
3. potential hazards associated with it
4. how to store acetic acid
5. how to safely dispose of acetic acid
What is acetic acid?
Acetic acid is a chemical reagent with the formula CH3COOH, commonly abbreviated as AcOH. Less common names for acetic acid include ethanoic acid and methanecarboxylic acid. Glacial acetic acid specifically refers to anhydrous acetic acid, which is devoid of water.
Following formic acid, which contains only one carbon, acetic acid is the simplest carboxylic acid as it contains only two carbon atoms.
Acetic acid is most famously associated with vinegar, since vinegar contains more than 4% acetic acid by volume, second only to water. It is a liquid with a pungent, vinegar-like aroma.
How is acetic acid used?
Acetic acid has a long history of use, especially in alchemy, art, and culinary mediums. Originally, it was obtained in its naturally-occurring form. When fermented alcoholic beverages such as beer or wine are exposed to air, native acetic acid producing bacteria will form vinegar.
Today, acetic acid still holds office across many industries. These include research laboratories, food industry, and medicine. Here are some examples of how acetic acid is used today:
• Chemical synthesis – Acetic acid can be reacted with an alcohol to form the corresponding ester. It can also be used as a solvent to purify organic products via recrystallization.
• Analytical chemistry – In analytical techniques such as liquid chromatography – mass spectrometry, acetic acid can be used to modify the liquid solvent phase and improve separation of chemical compounds.
• Food chemistry – Acetic acid is an allowed food additive in approved quantities. Dilute acetic acid or vinegar is used for flavoring, to modify acidity of foods, or as a pickling agent.
• Medicine – Acetic acid may be used to treat cancerous tumors, ear conditions, and skin infections. It has also been used for cervical cancer screening.
• Household use – Acetic acid, usually in the form of white vinegar, is a household staple, popularly used as an all-purpose cleaner.
Is acetic acid safe?
Acetic acid is especially safe in dilute concentrations. For example, vinegar contains 4% or higher of acetic acid by volume. At such concentrations, food grade acetic acid is safe for consumption.
Concentrated or glacial acetic acid does pose health hazards upon inhalation, ingestion, or skin and eye contact. If exposure has occurred, flush the area of contact with water, or remove the victim to fresh air as appropriate, and seek medical attention immediately.
Concentrated acetic acid should be handled carefully with proper personal protective equipment, in a well-ventilated area. As a highly flammable substance, exposure to heat or light should be avoided. Vapor can easily accumulate in a closed container due to heat exposure and cause an explosion. When handling, always add acid to water, and not the other way around.
How to store acetic acid
Acetic acid should be stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Keep acetic acid in its original container and follow the manufacturer’s instructions and the local regulations. Avoid exposure to heat or ignition sources.
How to dispose of acetic acid
Dilute concentrations of acetic acid, meaning less than 10% by volume, can be neutralized using sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) or an appropriate base. Monitor the reaction using pH paper or a pH meter. When the reaction medium is neutral, the resulting mixture can be safely poured down the drain.
On the other hand, if acetic acid is more concentrated (greater than 10%), or if it contains other hazardous chemicals not appropriate for drain disposal, you will need to use a waste container. Properly label the hazardous waste container and arrange for pick-up by your waste disposal company.
In the case of a minor spill, you can use an absorbent material to soak up the acetic acid. Place the soaked absorbent material into waste containers, as above, and arrange for pick-up by your waste disposal company. Larger spills will need to be pumped into waste containers. Make sure the area is well-ventilated during clean-up, and do not permit the waste to enter natural waterways.
Where to buy acetic acid
Lab Alley is pleased to provide you with the highest quality, sustainably sourced acetic acid. Shop today on our easy-to-navigate website and enjoy hassle-free ordering and speedy delivery.
Where to Buy Fireplace Bioethanol
As your trusted partner in chemical supply, Lab Alley is always striving to meet the growing demands of our customers. We want you to be able to access all of your chemical needs in one place, along with streamlined online ordering and fast shipping.
Due to popular demand from our valued clientele, Lab Alley has just added a new bioethanol product to our offerings. Our new bioethanol fuel is perfect for use in indoor and outdoor fireplaces.




Conclusion
Chemical waste disposal can be expensive for labs and businesses. Businesses must schedule waste pick-up from a hazardous waste disposal company. Minimizing your hazardous waste is one way to cut business costs. It will also reduce costs from replacing expired or spilled reagents.