Hexadecan-1-ol (CAS 36653-82-4): storage and disposal

No hazard classification sets where it goes on the sources we checked, so the questions are practical. A dry, labelled, well organised shelf in a general store is right, dated on arrival and kept apart from food grade supplies. Warmth is the main thing to avoid: it is a low melting waxy solid, and a cupboard over a radiator or beside a hot water pipe turns loose flakes into a fused block. Keep the lid tight, and in a pharmacy keep the raw material in its own labelled container, away from the dispensing shelves holding finished creams and ointments.

There are few visible signs of age with a stable waxy solid, so the state of the container tells most of the story. Loose, white flakes or pellets are normal. After warm spells they fuse into lumps or a solid cake at the base, and flakes may stick to the walls of the jar. Poor closures let in dust, and a bag that has been opened and folded over often spills. Check also for a faded or stained label, a jar with no date and a container swapped for one of a different size. Record any of these as they stand and leave the jar closed.

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.

Waste code 16 05 09 describes laboratory chemicals not classified as hazardous on the sources we checked, and it travels with a waste transfer note. A pharmacy or other human healthcare holder uses 18 01 07 instead. Record the form, whether flakes, pellets or a fused block, the amount and the container. Specialist collection is the only route. A waxy solid must not go in general waste, a skip or a drain, and nobody should try to melt it, burn it or treat it first just because the classification is mild.

Usually held as: solid.

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.