I am doing a science project on the absorption of pollutants in soil. how can i properly dispose of this soil?

Question

I don't want to harm the enviroment by just throwing out the soil.. can anyone tell me how i can dispose of it without hurting the enviroment? Thanks

Answer 1

Flush it in your toilet.

Answer 2

Depending on what your contaminant is, look to see if it can be broken down to an inert form by introducing things such as light, heat, water, air, etc.  Also see if it can be used as food for plants such as trees and shrubs.  Some plants love alkali for instance.

You really should get the substance tested though if you do not have an MSDS.  The right thing to do is to make sure proper disposal is done and that there is no chance for it to seep into groundwater sources or become an airborne hazard.

Do the right thing... always.

Answer 3

I am sure you must have documented your experiments with care. In case u have, then let a senior faculty have a look at the various mixes u have made (acids, alkalies, pesticides, chemicals etc.) and let him advise you as to how the soil can be disposed off without harming the community.

Answer 4

Turn it in at your local hazardous waste site.

Answer 5

You have to take it to a toxic waste disposal facility.  Typically, for research waste they will make you document what is in it, at what concentrations, and they will charge you money.  If you are less scrupulous, you maybe can get away with taking it to the household hazardous waste facility, if you have one nearby.  

google "hazardous waste disposal <your city name here> <your county name here> <your state name here>" for starters.

Answer 6

You don't have to use pollutants to begin with.  You can use a less harmful material, like fertilizer or food colouring, and create projections of what would happen with pollutants without becoming the worst polluter in your school.