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

Lead(IV) oxide (CAS 1309-60-0): storage and disposal

Brown-black lead(IV) oxide is a legacy stock in school, college and university prep rooms. It is both an oxidiser and a lead compound, classified as able to intensify fire, as able to damage fertility and the unborn child, as causing organ damage through repeated exposure and as very toxic to aquatic life. That combination means two sets of keep-apart rules apply at once.

CAS number
1309-60-0
Form
Solid
Storage class
Oxidiser
Signal word
Danger
Usual EWC code
16 05 06*
  • Oxidising pictogramOxidising
  • Harmful or irritant pictogramHarmful or irritant
  • Serious health hazard pictogramSerious health hazard
  • 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 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

As an oxidiser it goes in a separate, labelled space on non-combustible shelving, away from solvents, paper, wood and anything organic. As a lead compound it should also be kept away from acids, which can make an oxidiser unstable or release gas, and away from corrosive stock. The usual prep-room trap is a wooden shelf or a cardboard box that holds the jar along with other bottles, so check what is actually underneath and around it. Keep the container closed and dry, sitting in a tray, and put the date on arrival on the label. It is rarely used, so the stock record is often the only thing showing it is there.

How to tell it has deteriorated

Expect a dark, even powder. What does not look normal is damp, caking or lumps, staining of the shelf beneath, a corroded cap or any paper, wood dust or other organic matter inside the jar, since contamination matters with an oxidiser. This oxide is stable in storage, so it gives few chemical warning signs of its own, and the container and label usually tell you more than the contents. Faded writing, an unlabelled brown powder and a missing record all turn a quiet jar into an unknown oxidising lead stock. Report any of these before the jar is touched again.

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.

A jar like this is collected as a hazardous waste and is packed apart from acids, solvents and organic material, because oxidiser grouping is what keeps a lab pack stable. In a laboratory pack the code is 16 05 06*, and discarded inorganic chemical outside a pack takes 16 05 07*. Quote the quantity, the label as read and whether the lid is sound, and mention that it is an oxidiser when you write to us. UN 1872 is the carriage entry. It must not go into a bin or a drain, and nobody should try to make it react or dispose of it on site. Request a specialist collection and leave the jar in its tray.

Waste codes and transport details for Lead(IV) oxide
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.
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  • 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: legacy stock.

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.
  • H302 Harmful if swallowed.
  • H332 Harmful if inhaled.
  • H360Df May damage the unborn child. Suspected of damaging fertility.
  • H373 May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure.
  • H410 Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
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.
  • P220 Keep away from clothing and other combustible materials.
  • 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.
  • P273 Avoid release to the environment.
  • P280 Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P301+P317 IF SWALLOWED: Get medical help.
  • P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
  • P317 Get medical help.
  • P318 If exposed or concerned, get medical advice.
  • P319 Get medical help if you feel unwell.
  • P330 Rinse mouth.
  • P370+P378 In case of fire: Use suitable extinguishing media to extinguish.
  • P391 Collect spillage.
  • P405 Store locked up.
  • P501 Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local, regional, national and international regulations.

Substance as classified, dilutions may differ.

Questions

Why is it kept away from both acids and organic material?

It is classified as an oxidiser that may intensify fire, and oxidisers can become unstable or release gas with acid. Organic material gives it something to burn. Use a separate labelled space on non-combustible shelving.

Does lead(IV) oxide deteriorate with age?

It gives few signs of its own. Look for damp, lumps, corroded caps and contamination from paper or dust, plus a label that is no longer readable. Those conditions decide how urgently it should go.

Which waste code applies to legacy stock?

In a laboratory pack the code is 16 05 06*. Discarded inorganic chemical outside a laboratory pack is 16 05 07*. Say which applies when you request a quote.

Can it be binned if the quantity is tiny?

No. Quantity does not change the classification. It is a hazardous waste because of the lead and aquatic hazards, and as an oxidiser it needs correct grouping for collection.

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

Hazard data source: GB mandatory classification list (HSE) plus PubChem GHS Classification, retrieved 31 Oct 2026. Formula O2Pb. EC number 215-174-5.

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