Disposing of hydrogen peroxide: what you should consider

How to properly dispose of residual hydrogen peroxide depends heavily on the concentration of the solution. We have summarized what you should consider in this article.

Dispose of household hydrogen peroxide - that's how it works

There are different concentrations of hydrogen peroxide.

• Hydrogen peroxide is freely available up to a concentration of 12 percent.
• If you want to apply hydrogen peroxide to the skin, use it for household disinfection or to lighten your hair, a three percent solution is sufficient.
• You can safely dispose of the remaining three percent solution in the sewage system - for example in the sink or the toilet.
• If the concentration of the solution is over 3 percent, hand it in to a pollutant collection point.

Dispense higher concentrations at the pollutant collection point

Over 12 percent concentrated hydrogen peroxide is not freely available commercially.

• Hydrogen peroxide solutions with a concentration above 12 percent are dangerous.
• The agents are very caustic. The solution itself is not flammable, but it does promote fire.
• There is also a risk of explosion if there is overpressure in the storage bottles, for example due to heat.
• For this reason, highly concentrated hydrogen peroxide solutions must be returned to a pollutant collection point.