Turpentine (CAS 8006-64-2): storage and disposal
Turpentine is a resinous flammable liquid found neat in school, college and university stores, often left from art, chemistry or woodwork. It is classified as harmful by swallowing, skin contact and inhalation, may be fatal if it enters the airways, irritates skin and eyes, can cause an allergic skin reaction and is toxic to aquatic life. Age changes the liquid itself, and oily rags are a separate concern.
- CAS number
- 8006-64-2
- Form
- Liquid
- Storage class
- Flammable
- Signal word
- Danger
- Usual EWC code
- 16 05 06*
Flammable
Harmful or irritant
Serious health hazard
Hazardous to the environment
What to do this week
- Check the label is readable and write down the opened date if it is not already there.
- Check it is stored as flammable stock and apart from the items listed under "Do not store with".
- 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
A flammable sensitiser, turpentine belongs in the ventilated fire-resistant cabinet with spill containment, away from ignition sources, oxidisers, oxidising acids and corrosives. Many stores keep it in an old metal can or glass bottle with a perished cap, so check the closure and swap nothing between containers. Keep rags used with it out of the store entirely, because they can self-heat and should not be left screwed up in a bin or cupboard. Wear gloves when handling, since it can cause an allergic skin reaction, and keep stock away from food areas.
How to tell it has deteriorated
Old turpentine can thicken and yellow with age. Changes in colour or visible deposits should be recorded by inspecting the container from the outside without opening or tilting it. The liquid becomes more viscous and may leave a sticky, resinous film round the cap and thread that can glue a closure shut. Stained labels, a tacky outside to the container and a sharp, stale pine smell all point to long storage. Rags used with it can self-heat, so any rag found in a cupboard or bin near old stock should be reported, not moved by hand into another bag. Weeping cans need a tray.
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 rags are the awkward part of collecting this one. Keep soaked rags apart from the liquid and tell the collector about them, because they can self-heat and must not be packed away loosely. The liquid itself never goes into a sink, drain or general waste, and nobody should try to thin, burn or treat it. It leaves by specialist collection, grouped with compatible flammable organics. Teaching labs usually fit 16 05 06* for stock. Give size, remaining volume and condition, including thickening.
| EWC code, laboratory chemicals | 16 05 06* |
|---|---|
| Hazardous waste | Yes |
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.
- H302 Harmful if swallowed.
- H304 May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways.
- H312 Harmful in contact with skin.
- H315 Causes skin irritation.
- H317 May cause an allergic skin reaction.
- H319 Causes serious eye irritation.
- H332 Harmful if inhaled.
- H411 Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
Substance as classified, dilutions may differ.
Questions
Why has our turpentine gone thick and yellow?
Turpentine thickens and yellows with age, and sticky resin forms round the cap. It is still flammable and a skin sensitiser, so keep it capped on a tray in the flammables cabinet and list it for collection with its condition described.
Can used turpentine rags go in the normal bin?
No. Rags soaked in it can self-heat, which is a fire risk in a bin or cupboard. Keep them apart from the liquid, tell the collector about them and ask for advice before they are moved or packed.
Do we need gloves to handle old turpentine?
Yes. It can cause an allergic skin reaction and is harmful in contact with skin. Sticky residue round the cap counts as well. Wear gloves, and do not leave used cloths lying about.
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