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

Chlorobenzene (CAS 108-90-7): storage and disposal

Chlorobenzene is a flammable liquid used as a solvent and held neat in school, college and university stores. It is harmful in contact with skin and if inhaled, irritates skin and eyes and is toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. The combination of skin absorption and vapour means the bottle should be handled with the same caution as stronger-sounding solvents.

CAS number
108-90-7
Form
Liquid
Storage class
Flammable
Signal word
Warning
Usual EWC code
16 05 06*
  • Flammable pictogramFlammable
  • Harmful or irritant pictogramHarmful or irritant
  • Hazardous to the environment pictogramHazardous to the environment

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

Oxidisers are what chlorobenzene must be kept apart from, because they can ignite a flammable liquid or make a fire far more intense, and oxidising acids and corrosive leaks add the same risk. It belongs in the ventilated fire-resistant cabinet with spill containment, away from ignition sources. Alkali metals do not belong in the same cabinet as halogenated liquids. Because it is harmful in contact with skin, keep the bottle low and use gloves when lifting it. Teaching stores often hold it with other aromatic solvents, so check each label.

How to tell it has deteriorated

Few visible signs of age appear in this liquid, so a technician relies on the container. Look at the level against the label, at the cap liner, which dries and shrinks, and at labels stained by drips. A smell in the cabinet means vapour is escaping. Bottles that have been topped up or relabelled by hand carry the highest risk of the wrong name. If the wall bulges or has sucked in, the bottle should be left upright on a tray for the collector. Do not open an old bottle simply to look at the liquid.

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.

The waste code is simple here, so the description matters more. Say whether the bottle is neat chlorobenzene or has been used as a solvent, since used material carries whatever it was used with. It leaves by specialist collection, grouped with compatible halogenated flammable liquids. It must never go into a sink or drain given its aquatic hazard, and nobody should try to treat it. For laboratory packs use 16 05 06*, 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 Chlorobenzene
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.
  • Nitric acidOxidising acids can ignite flammable materials, and acid fumes attack containers and seals.
  • Potassium nitrateOxidisers can ignite flammable materials or make a fire far more intense.
  • Potassium permanganateOxidisers can ignite flammable materials or make a fire far more intense.
  • Sulfuric acidOxidising acids can ignite flammable materials, and acid fumes attack containers and seals.
Show 2 more
  • 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

  • H226 Flammable liquid and vapour.
  • H312 Harmful in contact with skin.
  • H315 Causes skin irritation.
  • H319 Causes serious eye irritation.
  • H332 Harmful if inhaled.
  • H411 Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
Precautionary statements
  • 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.
  • P271 Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
  • P273 Avoid release to the environment.
  • P280 Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • 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.
  • P317 Get medical help.
  • P321 Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instruction on this label).
  • P332+P317 If skin irritation occurs: 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.
  • P391 Collect spillage.
  • P403+P235 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool.
  • P501 Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local, regional, national and international regulations.
  • P264+P265 Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly after handling. Do not touch eyes.
  • P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
  • P337+P317 If eye irritation persists: Get medical help.

Substance as classified, dilutions may differ.

Questions

Why do we need gloves for chlorobenzene?

It is classified as harmful in contact with skin and as an irritant, so skin contact matters. Wear gloves suited to the liquid, check your risk assessment for glove type, and wash any contact straight away.

Can chlorobenzene stay in the flammables cabinet with acetone?

Both are flammable liquids, so the cabinet suits them, provided spill trays separate the bottles and oxidisers and acids are elsewhere. Label everything clearly so it is clear which bottle holds a halogenated liquid.

What counts as old chlorobenzene?

The liquid shows few visible changes, so look at the bottle: level, cap, label and any bulging. Anything unlabelled, leaking or no longer used should go on the collection list with its condition noted.

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 C6H5Cl. EC number 203-628-5.

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