what to do with unused Oxalic acid

[dpearce4]

Purchased a 500ml bottle from Paynes. Due to the strength i weakened it to just over 3%, by removing and adding half to a syrup mix in a jam jar. The reduced strength stuff i have left over i need to dispose of safely, suggestions please. the unused stuff in the bottle has a use by date of dec 2012, how do i store this so i can use it next year or should i just dispose of it, or can i use it for something else so as not to waste it.

 

[rink123]

I did mine today , the rest went in the bin

 

[yeogi75]

hi doug
if it is mixed it degrades to the extent that it will not do the job,
if left in powder form will last long time in container,r you may find it clumps up to solid but crush down again and use, you cannot use for anything else unless you scrub wood work to use as bleach but it has sugar added and to use as bleach it has three ingredient missing one which is hydrochloric acid which will make a good restorer for wood

 

[johnnythefridge]

Oxalic acid may be neutralised by adding bicarbonate of soda. This will produce bubbles of carbon dioxide that will dissipate without hazard in a normal environment. Once the acid has been neutralised, the addition of more bicarbonate of soda will not produce any more bubbles. The neutralised acid may then be disposed of by tipping it down the drain. It is worth noting that although oxalic axid is not classed as an RCRA hazardous waste, it is worth excercising some care when handling it.

 

[dpearce4]

Cheers guys bicarb and drain it is then.

 

[yeogi75]

use bowl or bucket as it might froth with a surge if poured not small necked bottle

 

[dpearce4]

could i use it as a drain cleaner lol. sounds like that foaming stuff u put down there lol.

i have a drain that needs a clean. bicarb followed by Oa watch it foam then rince away?

 

[yeogi75]

:doug your spelling is atrocious tis run away not rinse away:smilielol5

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

the unused stuff in the bottle has a use by date of dec 2012, how do i store this so i can use it next year or should i just dispose of it, or can i use it for something else so as not to waste it.

It won't be good for the bees next year - dispose of it

 

[dpearce4]

:doug your spelling is atrocious tis run away not rinse away:smilielol5

Sorry about the spelling terry. I have always had very bad spelling. i didnt pass my english gcse until i was 42. Found out this year the reason is because im dyslexic.

Doh.

 

[RoofTops]

Just flush it down the loo - it will be diluted still further and do no harm. There are more powerful toilet cleaners used every day.

Some of you folk seem to think the solutions of OA used by beekeepers have the corrosive powers of something like battery acid. I don't suggest you test this this but please be assured it does not strip away your flesh in seconds. In fact, unless you have a very sensitive skin I suspect most people wouldn't even be able to tell if it was water or OA syrup on their flesh if they split some - except the OA syrup would be a bit sticky.

The fact that it takes something like 24 hours for mites to start falling out of the hive gives an indication of just how mild it is.

 

[johnnythefridge]

Splashback is unpleasant enough.... without the prospect of oxalyic acid being part of the mix....... still, it should make for interesting reading on the forum.....

 

[Finman]

.
Keep the stuff. If you get a swarm or you make a false swarm, give a treament to it.

Of course if you bye 100 g powder, it lasts next 5 years to your 9 hives and price is under 10 pounds.

Guys, do you have habbit to neutralize your rhubards and carrots. They have over 0,5% oxalic acid .

 

[johnnythefridge]

I always neutralise my rhubarb... with half a mug of sugar before mastication and processing down the alimentary canal.

 

[Nic Rhodes]

no need to chuck it now, when it starts getting darker that is when you will chuck it. May be useul for swarms in the spring / summer....

 

[dpearce4]

good old forum. which way to turn, to dump or not to dump that is the question.





which do i join. maybe i need to and have a good think.

 

[richardbees]

It's the ideal spray for Red Spider Mite

 

[iand]

My dosing gun/container of remaining OA is currently with another beekeeper in the village. He was doing his this afternoon (did the same thing last year), if any is left it may get passed on again. Then very little to throw away.
ian

 

[Arfermo]

Stick it in the fridge until next year? Mark it clearly first though - otherwise it might land up in your rhubarb pie or whatever.

 

[drstitson]

Just tip it down the sink or loo and flush away. As noted above many household cleaning products are far more hazardous.

Where do you think laboratories pour their waste? (even radioactive).

For the more risk averse - check out COSHH manuals - if you get water in your eye(s) you are meant to rinse it out with copious amounts of water.