In our new house, we found that a previous owner installed a sump pump battery backup unit, which is nice. The battery in the system is like a car battery, but it's the kind where you initially add sulfuric acid to, and then periodically top off with distilled water.
However, the owner left behind the container of leftover sulfuric acid. The manual for the battery system says to never add more acid to the battery, only water.
So, what should I do with this acid?
- Is it dangerous to keep in the basement? Will it emit bad vapor?
- Can I keep it in case I need more if I buy a new battery in 5 years?
- Should I dispose of it? How?
Best Answer
I'm going to second mikes advice about wearing rubber gloves and safety glasses, especially if you can't guarantee that the container is properly sealed. If you get any on you, simply flush with lots of water, and apply a paste of baking soda and water to neutralize (I would flush first while someone else mixes the paste). For transport, just make sure that you have something that will keep it from tipping over.
OK, now to the reason I answered: places that you can take it.
The easiest is if your town or city sponsors a hazardous waste day or provides a hazardous waste dropoff (more likely in a large city). Call first to ensure that they take acids. Most will, especially acids that are commonly used in home improvement, such as sulfuric and hydrochloric (aka muriatic).
If you have a relationship with a repair shop, you can call and see if they'll take it (for use with batteries). They probably won't, and a stranger definitely won't, but it's worth asking.
A metal plating shop is another possibility. They probably won't accept it for use, but might dump it into their waste drum for a nominal charge.
Finally, if mikes scared you, there's Clean Harbors or similar companies. They'll come to your house and scare you even more, and you'll pay through the nose. But it will be gone.