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

Butorphanol (CAS 42408-82-2): storage and disposal

A veterinary analgesic and sedative, butorphanol turns up in practice as injection vials in the medicines cupboard or the theatre prep area. Its classification covers harm if swallowed or inhaled, plus skin and breathing sensitisation, so the risk falls on whoever handles and clears the stock. Expired or part-used vials are the usual reason a practice manager asks for a collection.

CAS number
42408-82-2
Form
Solid
Storage class
General
Signal word
Danger
Usual EWC code
16 05 06*
  • 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 general 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

Keep it away from food, drink and shared staff areas, because the sensitising hazards (H317 and H334) mean small repeated exposures matter more than one dramatic spill. In a veterinary practice the vials belong with the other injectable medicines, in a dry, labelled and well organised store. Write the arrival date on each pack and check labels and batch details at every stock count. Keep part-used vials apart from sealed ones so nobody draws from an old vial out of habit. Food grade supplies and staff refreshments never share that shelf. A short record of what has expired helps the later disposal request match what is actually on the shelf.

How to tell it has deteriorated

Vials give a clear picture of age through their labels and caps. Look for faded or smudged print, a missing batch detail, a stained or lifted label, a cap that has been punctured many times, and any cloudiness or particles in the liquid. A vial that has been left in a warm theatre window or a coat pocket should be treated with suspicion even if it looks fine. A loss of the stock record is a problem in its own right, since nobody can then say when a vial was opened. This substance gives few other visible signs, so the container and its paperwork do most of the talking.

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 non-regulated or low hazard laboratory pack with compatible chemicals.

Unwanted vials leave the practice by specialist collection only. Pouring them out, flushing them away or dropping them in the clinical waste bin is not an option, and nobody should try to empty or treat them first. Group the vials by form and keep them in their original cartons if you have them, so the collector can see names and strengths. Record the number of vials, whether they are sealed or part-used, and the practice's own reference for them. If your practice handles opioid products under its own controlled drug arrangements, mention that in the enquiry and speak to the responsible vet before anything is moved. For veterinary stock the waste code 18 02 08 is the one that usually fits.

Waste codes and transport details for Butorphanol
EWC code, laboratory chemicals16 05 06*
Discarded organic chemical, not a laboratory pack16 05 08*
Veterinary setting18 02 08
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.

Common quantities we collect

Usually held as: injection.

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

  • H302 Harmful if swallowed.
  • H317 May cause an allergic skin reaction.
  • H332 Harmful if inhaled.
  • H334 May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled.
Precautionary statements
  • P233 Keep container tightly closed.
  • P260 Do not breathe dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P261 Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P264 Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly after handling.
  • P270 Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
  • P271 Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
  • P272 Contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace.
  • P280 Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P284 In case of inadequate ventilation wear respiratory protection.
  • P301+P317 IF SWALLOWED: Get medical help.
  • P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water.
  • P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
  • P317 Get medical help.
  • P321 Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instruction on this label).
  • P330 Rinse mouth.
  • P333+P317 If skin irritation or rash occurs: Get medical help.
  • P342+P316 If experiencing respiratory symptoms: Get emergency medical help immediately.
  • P362+P364 Take off contaminated clothing. And wash it before reuse.
  • P403 Store in a well-ventilated place.
  • P501 Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local, regional, national and international regulations.

Substance as classified, dilutions may differ.

Questions

Can we put expired butorphanol vials in the clinical waste bin?

No. Medicine vials are not clinical waste and they carry a hazardous classification for harm and sensitisation. They go for specialist collection, described accurately by form and quantity, and never into a general waste bin or the sharps container.

Where in the practice should butorphanol be kept?

Keep it with the other injectable medicines in a dry, labelled store away from food and drink. Date the stock on arrival, check it at each stock count, and keep part-used vials separate from sealed ones so older vials are not used by mistake.

How can we tell an old butorphanol vial is no longer fit to hold?

Look at the label, cap and liquid. Faded print, missing batch details, a heavily punctured cap, cloudiness or particles all point to a vial that should be set aside for disposal. If nobody knows when it was opened, treat it as expired.

Which waste code should we quote for butorphanol from a veterinary setting?

Veterinary settings normally use 18 02 08 for discarded medicines of this type. If the stock is being collected as a discarded organic chemical rather than a practice medicine, a different code may apply, so say which situation you are in when you enquire.

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 C21H29NO2. EC number 255-808-8.

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