No, you shouldn’t pour acetone down the drain – and for very good reason. As acetone is highly flammable, it could potentially ignite and cause an explosion. It can also damage plastic plumbing and contaminate drinking water and the environment.
To prevent this, always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when disposing of acetone. No matter how tempting, never simply pour it down the sink or toilet.
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Understanding acetone: production & consumption
Acetone is a clear, volatile liquid. It has the chemical formula (CH3)2CO. Although it’s probably most well-known for removing nail polish, it actually has a range of household and industrial applications.
For example, it’s often used to manufacture certain types of plastics, thin paint and remove glue. It’s also used as a solvent in scientific laboratories.
In 2022, an estimated 7.10 metric tons of acetone was produced globally for industrial use – around 83% of this was made through the cumene process. This method involves the alkylation of benzene using propylene to produce cumene, which eventually generates phenol and acetone.
The process is expensive because it requires costly raw materials and separation equipment, as well as multiple stages of distillation to isolate acetone from the other byproducts.
The cumene process can be written as simplified chemical equations:
C6H6+C3H6 → C9H12
C9H12+O2 → CH32CO+C6H6O
With global demand for acetone showing no signs of slowing, there’s inevitably a lot of waste product which needs to be disposed of.
However, as we explain below, it’s important to dispose of acetone carefully to avoid causing damage to drainage systems and the environment.
Risks of pouring acetone down the drain
There are many types of risks associated with pouring acetone down the drain. These include potential damage to drainage systems, fire, and environmental contamination.
While you can use acetone at home, it’s important to remember that it’s a highly flammable and toxic chemical that must be handled correctly.
Acetone’s impact on plumbing
Although it’s used to manufacture certain plastics, acetone can actually cause serious damage to PVC plastic pipes. This is one of the main reasons why you should never pour acetone down the sink or use it to unclog a blocked drain.
If your drain pipes are made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or at least have PVC junctions, there’s a risk the acetone will melt and deform the pipes. Over time, this can lead to a host of costly and time-consuming plumbing problems.
Environmental concerns of acetone
As a toxic substance, acetone poses a danger to humans and other living organisms. If you pour it down the drain, it can potentially contaminate the soil and poison plants and wildlife in the process.
Plus, unlike other organic solvents, acetone doesn’t float on water. Its solubility also makes it difficult to separate from water, which means it’s harder to filter out any acetone that finds its way into the water supply.
Flammability and safety hazards
Acetone is highly volatile and flammable. Its vapours can easily ignite and even explode, potentially causing significant damage. To reduce the risk, acetone should always be stored in the right container and kept far away from ignition sources or extreme heat. It should also be disposed of correctly (more on this below).
Correct disposal of acetone
Wherever possible, you should reuse acetone to avoid unnecessary waste. For example, you can use the same portion of liquid several times for cleaning coins. When you do need to dispose of acetone, always do so in the correct way to prevent potential poisoning, environmental contamination, and fire.
If you don’t have much acetone to get rid of, just soak it up with some kitchen towel and throw it in your regular rubbish bin. For slightly larger qualities, consider putting it in a bowl (away from children, animals, and heat) and leaving it to evaporate in the open air.
If you’re using acetone on an industrial scale, pour it into a sealed container and dispose of it in a hazardous waste bin or at a hazardous waste facility where it can be processed for you.
Conclusion
Acetone’s toxicity, flammability, and ability to melt plastics are the main reasons why you should never pour it down the drain. Doing so can damage the pipework, contaminate drinking water and harm the environment. It may even cause an explosion. There are several ways to dispose of acetone safely. Always follow the guidelines on the label of the container or the MSDS/SDS sheet provided by the manufacturer.
If you’re a business, you can buy high-quality acetone in a range of sizes from our online shop here. Alternatively, contact our friendly team today to discuss your requirements.
