Many businesses and organizations stockpiled hand sanitizer at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020. Now that three years have passed, that stock of hand sanitizer is starting to expire. If you’re wondering, “how do I get rid of expired stock?” you’re not alone.
Due to the ethyl and isopropyl alcohol in alcohol-based hand sanitizer, it’s classified as a Class 3 Flammable Liquid requiring hazardous waste disposal and following special disposal requirements. Like all hazardous wastes, proper disposal is limited to a certified waste hauler permitted to transport and store hazardous waste.
Improper disposal of hand sanitizer products results in multimillion-dollar penalties, like this company in Oklahoma or this one in California. Don’t let this be you.
Understanding proper protocols can save you from citations or the chance of ignitability caused by leaking sanitizer containers.
Hand sanitizer expires?!
Every hand sanitizer container is required to have an expiration date. Typically the industry standard is 2 to 3 years. Once hand sanitizer expires, it’s even more hazardous, generating flammable methanol over time.
While recently expired sanitizer does retain some of its sanitizing properties, it’s likely less effective than a freshly manufactured product. Even though the hand sanitizer is still usable, you aren’t guaranteed the same protection. It’s also worth noting that storage and temperature can also impact the shelf life of your product.
After the expiration date, hand sanitizer is considered hazardous waste and requires hazardous waste management, according to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) disposal requirements.
Follow hazardous waste regulations and avoid fines
Getting rid of your old sanitizer stock is easy. Whether you have 50 small bottles or 20 one-gallon jugs, the right disposal company will help you find the best option. We can treat your stock as hazardous waste or as a consumer commodity with no manifest needed!
To get started, all you need to do is submit a request by email or phone.
From there, we arrange the drop-off and pickup of the waste materials. MEG does not open packages. We palletize your product and treat it as a consumer product. Finally, we get the hand sanitizer where it needs to go for proper disposal.
MEG is a team of trained TSDF professionals, able to assist with all your waste disposal needs. If your sanitizer stockpile is on the verge of expiration, or past due, let us know, and we will take care of the details.
Contact us today to get started or download this PDF file to learn more about hand sanitizer disposal services.
