Hey Terry
I didnt mean to scare anyone. In the past I have never had to dispose of more than 1-2 gallons of elecrolyte. But I have never had a carrier before either.
Bob mentioned a good point. Have a good source of clean fresh water handy in case you splash any solution on your self or your eyes!.
My solutions never have any heavy metals from using galvinised or stainless steel anodes,etc so that has never been a concern for me. I only use enough sodium hydroxide to get conductivity so yes it is caustic but probly no more and probably much less than an automatic dishwasher load uses. So I have usually disposed of it down the kitchen sink drain with lots of running water. Still it is less caustic than a drain cleaner but still works well to help keep the drain clean!
If you dumped it outside and was very strong solution you probly would be killing grass and weeds but the soil should neutralize it fairly readily.
The problem is with heavy metals. If that is in your solution and you pour it on the ground, it can get in to your garden or when it dries the dust can go airborne. I am an old Fart anyway so I am not too concerned about myself but the grand kids and nieghbour kids I worry about.
The caustic electrolye itself is not a big deal if that is all it is. But if you don't know what you are doing neutralizing it can cause other issues. It can get very hot. (hydrochloic acid or bleach mixed with it may generate chlorine gas and a wiff of that will REALLY clean out your sinuses and lungs!) So as Bob suggested, if all it is sodium hydroxide, wash soda etc judicious disposal is not a problem. (In other words don't water your wife's roses with it!)
Just remember, all you are making is a strong detergent solution. ie similar to what you use in your automatic dishwasher. Just remember if it is paint stripper bath strength you may want to dispose of it slowly because it is so strong!
When I make up a batch, I know I will be using it for some time so I just cover it up and store it in the basement or the garage for the next time. But it is also great for cleaning oil stains on the Garage floor, rags etc. So around my place it has never been around too long any way.
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Ralph Volkert
UC 2Mk I*
Upper Hull: CB 8075
Lower Hull: 8105
S/N: 9075
Date: Jun(est) 42
contract #: CDLV 213
1946 Willys Jeep
1974 Plymouth Road Runner
1987 Trans Am
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