Question

Concerning the disposal of materials at the end of the experiment, which methods are safe? Check all that apply.

Dump the acids and bases down the drain so they can be combined with sewer water.

Dispose of pH paper in the trash.

Dump the cabbage indicator solution down the drain.

Ask your teacher to neutralize the acids and bases before disposal.

Answer 1

Safe methods:
- Dispose of pH paper in the trash. (Unless it’s saturated with strong acid/base—then treat as contaminated waste.)
- Dump the cabbage indicator solution down the drain. (It’s an organic, nonhazardous solution; rinse with plenty of water.)
- Ask your teacher to neutralize the acids and bases before disposal. (Do not dump strong acids or bases down the drain unneutralized.)

Do not dump acids and bases down the drain without neutralization and approval.