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Chemistry Forums for Students => Undergraduate General Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: jen78fl on December 08, 2006, 08:27:45 PM

Title: How should I dispose of dry ice ?
Post by: jen78fl on December 08, 2006, 08:27:45 PM

Hi everyone. I just received a package from omaha steaks as a christmas present. It had dry ice at the bottom of the package, so I put this in the trash bin outside, and I also cracked open the trash bin lid a little. My question though is should I keep the dry ice in the trash bin or move it somewhere else? Im just not sure what the safe way to dispose of it is. Thanks all!

Title: Re: How should I dispose of dry ice ?
Post by: Yggdrasil on December 08, 2006, 08:58:10 PM

Dry ice will just sublime (vaporize) to carbon dioxide gas.  In other words, if you leave it out at room temperature, it will just disapear.  Just be sure to keep it in a well ventilated area to avoid accumulation of carbon dioxide gas and don't seal the dry ice in a container in order to prevent the container from exploding.  If the dry ice is at the bottom of a trash can, the trash can will probably be filled with carbon dioxide once the dry ice completely sublimes (carbon dioxide is more dense than air, so it will tend to sink to low points).  This should be fine, just don't try to stick your head in the trash can and breath because (in addition to other reasons why you shouldn't stick your head in the trash can) there will be very little oxygen in the trash can.

Title: Re: How should I dispose of dry ice ?
Post by: jen78fl on December 08, 2006, 10:51:24 PM

Quote from: Yggdrasil on December 08, 2006, 08:58:10 PM

Dry ice will just sublime (vaporize) to carbon dioxide gas.  In other words, if you leave it out at room temperature, it will just disapear.  Just be sure to keep it in a well ventilated area to avoid accumulation of carbon dioxide gas and don't seal the dry ice in a container in order to prevent the container from exploding.  If the dry ice is at the bottom of a trash can, the trash can will probably be filled with carbon dioxide once the dry ice completely sublimes (carbon dioxide is more dense than air, so it will tend to sink to low points).  This should be fine, just don't try to stick your head in the trash can and breath because (in addition to other reasons why you shouldn't stick your head in the trash can) there will be very little oxygen in the trash can.

Thanks, Ill try to stay out of the trash can. LOL  I moved it out right next to the trash can anyway just to be safe. Thanks again for your help :)

Title: Re: How should I dispose of dry ice ?
Post by: Ψ×Ψ on December 08, 2006, 10:52:48 PM

The fun way: Throw it in the sink and turn on the water!

Title: Re: How should I dispose of dry ice ?
Post by: lemonoman on December 09, 2006, 07:46:06 PM

I'm surprised the block lasted long enough for this thread to be of any use :P lol