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

Bismuth nitrate (CAS 10361-44-1): storage and disposal

Bismuth nitrate is usually held as the pentahydrate in school, college and university chemical stores. It is classed as an oxidiser that may intensify fire, and it causes serious eye damage. The oxidising property governs shelving and neighbours, while the crystal water explains most of the changes an old jar goes through.

CAS number
10361-44-1
Form
Solid
Storage class
Oxidiser
Signal word
Danger
Usual EWC code
16 05 06*
  • Oxidising pictogramOxidising
  • Corrosive pictogramCorrosive

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 oxidiser 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

Anything that burns or can be attacked by an oxidiser needs to be elsewhere. That means solvents, paper, wood shelving where it can be avoided and organic stock, along with acids, alkalis and ammonia based reagents, because oxidisers can turn those into a fire or gas problem. Corrosive stock also sits apart. Use a labelled, separate space on non-combustible shelving, with the lid tightly closed so the crystals do not draw in water from the room. In a prep room, keep it away from the cupboard of dried organic dyes and from any cardboard packing. Goggles belong nearby given the eye damage classification.

How to tell it has deteriorated

Good crystals are loose, colourless to white and dry to the eye. Over time the pentahydrate takes up moisture, so the first change is clumping, then a damp film and hard cake in the base of the jar. Bismuth salts are prone to hydrolysis, and a white opaque crust or powder on the crystals or inside the lid is the sign that water has been at them. Check also for stained shelving, corroded caps and paper labels or cardboard sleeves that have gone brittle near the jar. An oxidiser contaminated by paper dust or organic residue is a worse problem than a damp one. Leave it closed and make a note.

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 oxidising laboratory pack with compatible chemicals.

Mention on the booking that it is an oxidiser, because that is how it is grouped. It is packed into a lab pack apart from fuels, acids and ammonia based reagents, in UN approved packaging. Waste code 16 05 06* fits a lab pack, while a discarded inorganic chemical outside one uses 16 05 07*. Write down the container size, the remaining amount and whether the crystals are caked, wet or contaminated. Specialist collection is the sole route. Washing it out, binning it or trying to make it safe is off the table, and mixing it with other leftovers to save space is also wrong.

Waste codes and transport details for Bismuth nitrate
EWC code, laboratory chemicals16 05 06*
Discarded inorganic chemical, not a laboratory pack16 05 07*
Hazardous wasteYes

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

  • FlammableOxidisers can ignite flammable materials or make a fire far more intense.
  • AcidMany oxidisers release toxic gas or become unstable in contact with acid.
  • AlkaliSome oxidisers react strongly with alkalis, and ammonia based stock is especially at risk.
  • ToxicToxic and oxidising stock are stored apart. A reaction could release toxic vapours.
  • CorrosiveCorrosive stock can react with oxidisers, releasing heat or fumes.

Named chemicals to keep apart

  • Acetic acidMany oxidisers release toxic gas or become unstable in contact with acid.
  • AcetoneOxidisers can ignite flammable materials or make a fire far more intense.
  • Ammonia solutionSome oxidisers react strongly with alkalis, and ammonia based stock is especially at risk.
  • EthanolOxidisers can ignite flammable materials or make a fire far more intense.
  • FormalinToxic and oxidising stock are stored apart. A reaction could release toxic vapours.
  • HexaneOxidisers can ignite flammable materials or make a fire far more intense.
  • Hydrochloric acidMany oxidisers release toxic gas or become unstable in contact with acid.
  • Mercury(II) chlorideToxic and oxidising stock are stored apart. A reaction could release toxic vapours.
Show 9 more
  • MethanolOxidisers can ignite flammable materials or make a fire far more intense.
  • Nitric acidMany oxidisers release toxic gas or become unstable in contact with acid.
  • Potassium hydroxideSome oxidisers react strongly with alkalis, and ammonia based stock is especially at risk.
  • Sodium cyanideToxic and oxidising stock are stored apart. A reaction could release toxic vapours.
  • Sodium hydroxideSome oxidisers react strongly with alkalis, and ammonia based stock is especially at risk.
  • Sulfuric acidMany oxidisers release toxic gas or become unstable in contact with acid.
  • Thionyl chlorideCorrosive stock can react with oxidisers, releasing heat or fumes.
  • TolueneOxidisers can ignite flammable materials or make a fire far more intense.
  • Zinc chlorideCorrosive stock can react with oxidisers, releasing heat or fumes.

Common quantities we collect

Usually held as: pentahydrate.

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

  • H272 May intensify fire; oxidiser.
  • H318 Causes serious eye damage.
Precautionary statements
  • P210 Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
  • P220 Keep away from clothing and other combustible materials.
  • P264+P265 Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly after handling. Do not touch eyes.
  • P280 Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P305+P354+P338 IF IN EYES: Immediately rinse with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
  • P317 Get medical help.
  • P370+P378 In case of fire: Use suitable extinguishing media to extinguish.
  • P501 Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local, regional, national and international regulations.

Substance as classified, dilutions may differ.

Questions

Why does bismuth nitrate need a different shelf from our acids?

Oxidisers can release gas or become unstable in contact with acids. Keeping it on its own non-combustible shelf in a labelled oxidiser space prevents a spill from reaching them. Nearby alkalis and ammonia based stock are separated for similar reasons.

The crystals in our old jar have gone hard and slightly white. Is that a problem for collection?

No, caking and a white crust are common in aged stock and collection can still go ahead. Describe the condition when booking, leave the jar closed and do not chip at the lump or try to dry it out.

Which waste code do we use for a school jar?

A jar packed in a lab pack uses 16 05 06*, and a discarded inorganic chemical outside a lab pack uses 16 05 07*. The booking describes it as an oxidiser with serious eye damage, and the team confirms the final code.

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 BiN3O9. EC number 233-791-8.

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