[f1sherman]

I have a 55 gal drum that was at one time filled with Oil of Wintergreen. I bought it from craigslist to use for composting. I didn't realize this at the time, but apparently oil of wintergreen is extremely toxic. I'm wondering now if I should try to clean it thoroughly (and how) or if I should just give up and pay the dump to take it?

Has anyone done anything like this before? I bought some Simple green and rinsed that through the container, but I'm not sure if that is enough. I have a family and want to make sure this is absolutely safe to use.

Thanks in advance for any help

[Dan]

I didn't realize this at the time, but apparently oil of wintergreen is extremely toxic.

This is nonsense. Oil of wintergreen (methyl salicylate) is harmful if swallowed, but otherwise just an irritant.

see: http://fscimage.fishersci.com/msds/14720.htm

To put it in perspective, it is less dangerous than household bleach.

[f1sherman]

Thanks for the helpful link.

I had read that someone had died from absorbing too much methyl salicylate through the skin.  Also it says in the link that you posted that it may be absorbed through the skin in harmful amounts.  Maybe I'm just over-reacting and this isn't a real risk?

[Borek]

Maybe I'm just over-reacting and this isn't a real risk?

How much of the oil is left in the drum? Is it just smelly and dry? It can be risky if you have to deal with large quantities, but if all you have is just a drum that was emptied and reasonably cleaned, it shouldn't be dangerous. For toxic effects you need to swallow several grams at least, just by smelling it now and then you can't hurt yourself. If it will be used for composting, it will be outside, so there is even no risk of vapor build up.

[f1sherman]

None is left anymore, there was probably a quart left when I picked it up.  I used Simple Green (degreaser) and rinsed it out with that and some water.  Do you think that is enough?

[Dan]

That should be fine. You could give it another rinse with soapy water to be sure, but if it's outside and there's so little there you can't see it, then the exposure risk is is so low you don't need to worry.

[f1sherman]

Sounds great, thanks!