Posted By Graham Bullough From time to time I get queries from primary schools which have discovered 5 litre cans of methanol or similar solvents lurking in their cupboards and stores during long overdue sorting and tidying up of their contents. Such solvents were commonly used in primary schools until about 15 years or so ago with spirit duplicating machines such as "Banda" and "Hecto", etc. Fortunately photocopiers have replaced them and eliminated the risk posed by the need to use highly flammable liquids in school staffrooms and offices. However, can anybody suggest suitable alternative uses or ways of disposing of such solvents or comment on the following possibilities? 1) Use by secondary school science departments, provided that the type and quality of the solvent is known. 2) Use as a fuel for methylated spirit stoves by schools and youth groups, etc. 3) Use as a general purpose cleaning solvent by printing departments, etc. Disposal with appropriate precautions either by 4) natural evaporation on a hot summer day or by 5) burning. Both these methods would require one or more deep metal trays in a safe secure outdoor place. Evaporation is probably not environmentally friendly, but insignificant in relation to vehicle fumes and numerous other sources of pollution. The likely products of breaking down the solvents by burning are probably less damaging to the environment. However, I'm not keen to advise either of these methods which are also rather slow. 6) Get a specialist disposal firm to take the stuff away, no doubt for a hefty fee. However, out of curiosity, how does the firm then deal with it?

Posted By Dave Wilson Would suggest that this is 'Special Waste' and requires a Waste Disposal Contractor who holds a 'Waste Management Licence' to dispose of this. You have a statutory 'Duty of Care' to dispose of this substance in accordance with the Duty of Care Regs and the Special Waste Regs and breaches of thsi are more punishable than for H&S Offences. You as the 'producer' of the waste have the responsibility to ensure that it is disposed of properly through the above route. Suggest you speak to the LA Waste Disposal people and they may be able to help. One thing which you certainly cannot do is , local tip, skip, burn or pour on land or down the drain Remember that breaches of this are more punishable than for H&S offences!

Posted By Ken Taylor Methanol being more toxic than ethanol should not be substituted for ethanol in spirit duplicators or chemical reactions in schools. CLEAPSS guide is for a maximum of 500ml to be diluted with 10 litres of water and poured down a foul drain with further dilution. The waste authority is the route for your proposed volume. Our authority would allow one free 'chemical collection' per school per annum provided all is safely contained, labelled and listed.