Skip to content

Chemical collection and stock control for UK schools, universities and hospitals

1,2-Dichloroethane (CAS 107-06-2): storage and disposal

1,2-Dichloroethane is a chlorinated liquid held neat in school, college and university stores, and it differs from its neighbours because it is also highly flammable. It may cause cancer, may be fatal if swallowed and enters airways, is harmful if swallowed, irritates skin, eyes and the respiratory tract. Its mix of flammability and a carcinogen classification decides the cabinet it goes in and who handles it.

CAS number
107-06-2
Form
Liquid
Storage class
Flammable
Signal word
Danger
Usual EWC code
16 05 06*
  • Flammable pictogramFlammable
  • Harmful or irritant pictogramHarmful or irritant
  • Serious health hazard pictogramSerious health hazard

What to do this week

  1. Check the label is readable and write down the opened date if it is not already there.
  2. Check it is stored as flammable stock and apart from the items listed under "Do not store with".
  3. If you no longer need it, add it to your disposal list so it goes on the next collection.

Safe storage in a school or lab

A practical shelf check is the cabinet type, because this solvent needs two things together: a ventilated fire-resistant cabinet for flammability and separation from alkali metals. Sodium metal, potassium metal and lithium metal can react explosively with chlorinated solvents, and sodium azide can form explosive azidoalkanes with halogenated solvents. Oxidisers, oxidising acids and leaking corrosive stock also have to stay clear, since they can ignite a flammable liquid. Many older stores keep chlorinated solvents in a non-fire-rated cupboard, which is wrong for this one. Keep a stock record and use a spill tray.

How to tell it has deteriorated

Nothing in the liquid itself gives dependable visible warning of age, so look at the container and label. A glass stopper stuck in the neck, a cap liner gone dry or perished, a lowered level, and a label that has faded or been replaced by hand are the common faults. A sweet solvent smell near the cabinet means a seal has failed. A bulging or sucked-in container wall points to pressure changes in storage. Leave any such bottle upright on its tray and report it, instead of opening it to inspect the contents.

How it must be disposed of

By specialist collection only. It never goes down the drain or into general waste. It is normally packed in a flammable laboratory pack with compatible chemicals.

Specialist collection is the only route, and the bottle should stay in its flammables cabinet until the collector arrives. It must not be poured down a sink or drain, left to evaporate or burned, and nobody should try to treat it. Because it is both flammable and classified as capable of causing cancer, say so when booking so that it is packed with compatible chlorinated organics. The list code is 16 05 06* for packed stock, and a loose discarded organic chemical not sent in a pack can use 16 05 08*. Give size and level.

Waste codes and transport details for 1,2-Dichloroethane
EWC code, laboratory chemicals16 05 06*
Discarded organic chemical, not a laboratory pack16 05 08*
Hazardous wasteYes

20 01 13* (solvents) belongs to municipal collections and is shown for reference only. It is not the normal code for a laboratory collection.

The code depends on where the waste came from and what it is mixed with. Use the waste code finder to see why.

Do not store with

  • OxidiserOxidisers can ignite flammable materials or make a fire far more intense.
  • AcidOxidising acids can ignite flammable materials, and acid fumes attack containers and seals.
  • CorrosiveA leak of corrosive stock can break down flammable containers and feed a fire.

Named chemicals to keep apart

  • Acetic acidOxidising acids can ignite flammable materials, and acid fumes attack containers and seals.
  • Calcium hypochloriteOxidisers can ignite flammable materials or make a fire far more intense.
  • Hydrochloric acidOxidising acids can ignite flammable materials, and acid fumes attack containers and seals.
  • Hydrogen peroxideOxidisers can ignite flammable materials or make a fire far more intense.
  • Lithium metalAlkali metals can react explosively with chlorinated solvents.
  • Nitric acidOxidising acids can ignite flammable materials, and acid fumes attack containers and seals.
  • Potassium metalAlkali metals can react explosively with chlorinated solvents.
  • Potassium nitrateOxidisers can ignite flammable materials or make a fire far more intense.
Show 6 more
  • Potassium permanganateOxidisers can ignite flammable materials or make a fire far more intense.
  • Sodium azideAzides can form explosive azidoalkanes with halogenated solvents.
  • Sodium metalAlkali metals can react explosively with chlorinated solvents.
  • Sulfuric acidOxidising acids can ignite flammable materials, and acid fumes attack containers and seals.
  • Thionyl chlorideA leak of corrosive stock can break down flammable containers and feed a fire.
  • Zinc chlorideA leak of corrosive stock can break down flammable containers and feed a fire.

Common quantities we collect

Usually held as: neat.

Part-used bottles and full containers are both fine. Tell us the size and how many, and an estimate is enough for a first price.

Where it is commonly held

Hazard statements

  • H225 Highly flammable liquid and vapour.
  • H302 Harmful if swallowed.
  • H304 May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways.
  • H315 Causes skin irritation.
  • H319 Causes serious eye irritation.
  • H335 May cause respiratory irritation.
  • H350 May cause cancer.
Precautionary statements
  • P203 Obtain, read and follow all safety instructions before use.
  • P210 Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
  • P233 Keep container tightly closed.
  • P240 Ground and bond container and receiving equipment.
  • P241 Use explosion-proof electrical, ventilating and lighting equipment.
  • P242 Use non-sparking tools.
  • P243 Take action to prevent static discharges.
  • P261 Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P264 Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly after handling.
  • P264+P265 Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly after handling. Do not touch eyes.
  • P270 Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
  • P271 Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
  • P280 Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P301+P317 IF SWALLOWED: Get medical help.
  • P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water.
  • P303+P361+P353 IF ON SKIN (or hair): Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water or shower.
  • P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
  • P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
  • P318 If exposed or concerned, get medical advice.
  • P319 Get medical help if you feel unwell.
  • P321 Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instruction on this label).
  • P330 Rinse mouth.
  • P332+P317 If skin irritation occurs: Get medical help.
  • P337+P317 If eye irritation persists: Get medical help.
  • P362+P364 Take off contaminated clothing. And wash it before reuse.
  • P370+P378 In case of fire: Use suitable extinguishing media to extinguish.
  • P403+P233 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.
  • P403+P235 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool.
  • P405 Store locked up.
  • P501 Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local, regional, national and international regulations.
  • P301+P316 IF SWALLOWED: Get emergency medical help immediately.
  • P316 Get emergency medical help immediately.
  • P331 Do NOT induce vomiting.

Substance as classified, dilutions may differ.

Questions

Can 1,2-dichloroethane go in the same cabinet as other chlorinated solvents?

Only if that cabinet is ventilated and fire-resistant, because this one is highly flammable. Many chlorinated solvents are not, so check the cabinet type, keep spill trays under each bottle and keep alkali metals and azides elsewhere.

Is it flammable like the other chlorinated liquids on the shelf?

It is highly flammable, unlike some of the chlorinated liquids sold for teaching. Check each label and classification separately, because the cabinet and the neighbouring stock depend on the actual substance.

What if the bottle is old and the label is unreadable?

Leave it upright on a tray in the flammables cabinet, do not open it and record where it was found. Ask for specialist advice before anything is moved, and describe it as unknown rather than guessing.

Guidance only. Check your own risk assessment and your supplier's safety data sheet.

Hazard data source: PubChem GHS Classification, retrieved 31 Oct 2026. Formula C2H4Cl2. EC number 203-458-1.

Request collection Add to register
Search the chemical database