How to Dispose of Muriatic Acid? Methods and Instructions

I ordered the muriatic acid, for it is effective in cleaning bathrooms or pools. However, I got the task done and still left with the acid. What I did was a little hunt and came to know the various disposal techniques. Learn How to Dispose of Muriatic Acid in a step-by-step procedure. 

Muriatic acid is a toxic and hazardous acid that finds its way into cleaning and pool filtering purposes. So, you must not put it randomly for it creates problems if ingested or contacted with the skin. The best ways you can Discard of muriatic acid are by diluting it, neutralizing it, storing it for reuse, or contacting with local waste disposal facility. 

The article lets you learn several techniques of how to neutralize and dilute the muriatic acid so that you can safely Discard of it. In addition, you will learn how to store the acid with guidelines and several ways to reuse it. 

How to Dispose of Muriatic Acid After Use?

The idea of disposing of anything brings thoughts of pouring it either into the drains or throwing it into the bins untreated. No matter what you think about the leftover muriatic acid, it demands careful disposal, for it invites medical emergencies if inhaled or contacted with the skin. 

Dilute Muriatic Acid

Despite the use of muriatic acid in daily chores, you cannot deny how toxic it is. What you can do is dilute it firsthand, so that you can think to run it down into the drains leading to water bodies, such as lakes and rivers, otherwise not. 

How to dispose of muriatic acid mixed with water highlights technique for diluting it. Grab the steps and mark your excellence in disposing of hazardous waste. 

1. Put on protective safety gear, such as goggles, masks, gloves, etc.
2. Take an acid-resistant bucket and fill it with 2 gallons of water
3. Start by adding ¼ cup of acid to the bucket
4. Dispose of the diluted acid in the drains
5. Run water for a few minutes after the disposal 

Neutralize with Baking Soda

Another method by which you can get rid of the muriatic acid is to neutralize it with baking soda.  Not only you can ensure a safe disposal method but also make it less toxic for sinks and drains. 

How to neutralize muriatic acid is all you need to know. 

1. Ensure that you wear all the protective gear
2. Take an acid-resistant bucket and add water and baking soda to it.
3. Remain careful about the proportions, 1 part baking soda into 10 parts of water
4. Start adding muriatic acid until the solution stops fizzing
5. Dispose of neutralized acid in the sink safely.

Note: To dispose Baking Soda read our guide. How to Dispose of Baking Soda? 3 Common Ways

Reuse

You cannot diminish the corrosive nature of the muriatic acid but make it useful for cleaning concrete, tiles, and much more. The appreciated way you can do to reduce the amount of leftover muriatic acid is to reuse it. 

• Clear bricks build up while mixing with 1 part acid into 10 parts water
• Balance your swimming pools pH if it contains a high quantity of chlorine
• Remove stains accumulated on the stains
• Eliminate limescale in bathroom toilets
• Scrub the swimming pool walls

Handover to Local Waste Disposal Facility

If you do not want to handle muriatic acid or have it in large quantities, the convenient option is to consult a local waste disposal facility. The benefit is to let the waste management service dispose of the acid in more eco-friendly ways or recycle it. 

How to Neutralize Muriatic Acid Guideline

If you do not find an authentic way to neutralize muriatic acid, there are a few instructions you can follow to store it with some warnings. 

Can you Pour Muriatic Acid down the Drain?

No, you cannot pour muriatic acid down the drain, for it kills various plants and damages the soil. However, if it is less in quantity, neutralize it with baking soda and water and run down the drains.

Is Muriatic Acid Harmful to the Environment?

Muriatic acid is a strong acid and proves harmful to the environment if left untreated. The hazardous nature is damaging to marine life when mixed with local bodies, to bacteria in septic tanks, and human health. 

Can you Pour Muriatic Acid in Garbage Disposal

No, you should never put muriatic acid in your garbage disposal. Muriatic acid is a strong acid that can corrode the metal parts of your shed and the pipes in your home. It can also release stinks that are dangerous to breathe. It’s also illegal to pour muriatic acid into the drain.

Summing Up

You must pay attention to the disposal of muriatic acid to mitigate its negative impact. In this article, I have mentioned disposal methods and several reuses to eliminate the harmful acid safely. In addition, there are storage guidelines to deal with the acid at home.