Disposal of unwanted solvents

[Poignard]

I have an assortment of solvents left over from painting and engine cleaning jobs, including White Spirit, Blakes and International Thinners of various kinds, dirty paraffin and petrol, etc. I expect most peoples sheds have a similar collection.

Where can I dispose of this stuff legally, safely and, if possible, free-of-charge?

 

[marcusgillies]

Some waste recycling (dump) sites have waste oil drums, here you can dispose of most liquids which come into the hydrocarbon catogory ie. petrol, parafin. However thinners and white spirit im not so sure about.

 

[Dyflin]

Have you tried your local marina? Mine will do it free of charge for berth holders.

 

[RogerBrady]

I reuse White Sprite over and over again, leave it to settle out then poor the clear liquid and use again. I have up to 3 containers settling at one time. Just dispose the settled residue as you do oil paint tins.
Roger.

 

[Guest]

Those who post that local Tips / waste centres take it are lucky - ones round my mothers won't. They wont take old fridges, any un-named questionable fluids, parafin heaters if any parafin is still in tank - even if only a drop. Seems they are so restrictive that even my Mum - a confirmed addict of donating stuff to tips has stopped using them.

Luckily where I live out here - there's no-one for miles to stop me using most stuff like this to start my bonfire - which also serves to reduce the call on local bin-collectors ....

 

[Malish]

With care one can dispose of small quantities of volatile solvent via a metal tray filled with sand placed in a corner of the garden (away from kids, bonfires etc) where it is left to evaporate over a couple of days. Once dry, any residue in the sand can either be ignited with a little fresh solvent e.g. meths or the sand double bagged and placed in the domestic rubbish. This may not be perfectly pc but it is eminently suitable for small amounts

 

[Lakesailor]

I reckon you're being a lot more intelectual about it than the guys at the dump. Just pour it in.

 

[stevebrassett]

Mix 'em up and use them to light your charcoal barbie.

 

[damo]

Take it to Port Solvent?

 

[Superflid]

I usually find I've left the top off and they've disposed of themselves before I get to use them!
It's an age thing I guess.......

 

[kengill]

A problem not to be sniffed at.