Cal hypo bucket leaking

[D2424]

I have a bucket of cal hypo 65% I bought several years ago and did not use it up as I switched to using liquid bleach to avoid any staining of the liner (and ease of use). It's less than half full and has been stored in the shed each season in it's original bucket. I noticed this spring that the bottom of the bucket is separating somehow and dripping slightly onto the shelf below. I opened it and noticed the powder is moist, like a wet sand. Not sure how it happened as I haven't opened it for a long time.

Any idea if the powder would still be good/safe to use or should I just find a hazardous waste facility?

 

[JoyfulNoise]

Cal hypo is hygroscopic and will absorb moisture if the container is compromised. I suggest putting the bucket you have in a secondary container to contain any spillage. Also, wet cal hypo will emit chlorine gas vapors and that shed/storage container should be emptied of everything else in it as organic materials can catch fire if the vapors mix with chlorine fumes.

You should find a hazardous waste disposal facility and immediately get rid of the cal hypo. It’s a dangerous chemical to have around when it has been compromised.

Please do not delay on this. Cal hypo fires are real and can cause immense amounts of damage.

 

[JoyfulNoise]

 

[D2424]

Cal hypo is hygroscopic and will absorb moisture if the container is compromised. I suggest putting the bucket you have in a secondary container to contain any spillage. Also, wet cal hypo will emit chlorine gas vapors and that shed/storage container should be emptied of everything else in it as organic materials can catch fire if the vapors mix with chlorine fumes.

You should find a hazardous waste disposal facility and immediately get rid of the cal hypo. It’s a dangerous chemical to have around when it has been compromised.

Please do not delay on this. Cal hypo fires are real and can cause immense amounts of damage.

Thanks so much for this info. Fortunately i don't store any other chemicals in the shed. So long as I keep its cover on, can i just put the bucket in another bucket (to prevent dripping) or does the new container also need a lid to contain the whole thing. I can take it to the hazardous waste facility this week.

 

[JoyfulNoise]

Thanks so much for this info. Fortunately i don't store any other chemicals in the shed. So long as I keep its cover on, can i just put the bucket in another bucket (to prevent dripping) or does the new container also need a lid to contain the whole thing. I can take it to the hazardous waste facility this week.

Leaving it there with a secondary container under it is fine. No need to seal it up. Ventilation is important. If you can keep the shed door open that would help. You want to provide enough ventilation so that chlorine fumes don’t build up.