How to dispose of acetone depends on how much you have. Acetone is a highly flammable solvent found in nail polish remover, paint and adhesive removers, and cleaning products. Tiny amounts, like a cotton ball used to remove nail polish, can be left outdoors to evaporate and then thrown in the trash. Larger amounts, half-used bottles, and acetone used to clean up paint, resin, or glue should go to a household hazardous waste drop-off. Never pour acetone down a sink, toilet, or storm drain.
Small amounts
Cotton balls, pads, or paper towels with a little acetone can be set on a non-flammable surface outdoors, away from flames and heat, until dry. Then throw them away. Do not leave soaked rags in a pile indoors, and do not put wet materials in the trash where they can concentrate vapors.
Bottles and used acetone
| Situation | Disposal |
|---|---|
| Unused bottle you no longer need | Give away or household hazardous waste |
| Half-used nail polish remover | Use up or household hazardous waste |
| Acetone used for paint, resin, or glue cleanup | Household hazardous waste |
| Dirty acetone in a jar | Let solids settle; reuse clear liquid or take to hazardous waste |
Keep acetone in its original container or a labeled, sealed metal or solvent-safe container.
Reusing dirty acetone
If you use acetone for cleaning tools, let used acetone sit in a sealed jar until solids settle to the bottom. You can carefully pour off the clear acetone for reuse and take the sludge to hazardous waste. This reduces how much you buy and dispose of. See leftover solvent and paint thinner.
Why not down the drain
Acetone is flammable and evaporates quickly, creating vapors that can collect in pipes. It can also damage some plastic plumbing and septic systems, and wastewater rules typically prohibit dumping solvents.
Nail polish and remover
Nail polish remover is often acetone-based, and nail polish itself is flammable. Many hazardous waste programs take both. See how to dispose of nail polish.
Storage
Store acetone in a cool, ventilated area away from heat, sparks, and flames, tightly capped. Keep it away from children. Acetone vapors are heavier than air and can travel to ignition sources.
Spills
Ventilate the area, remove ignition sources, and absorb spills with paper towels or cat litter. Let small amounts evaporate outdoors; take heavily soaked absorbent to hazardous waste.
Empty containers
Let an empty container air out outdoors with the cap off until dry, then trash it or recycle it if accepted locally. Ask your program about metal solvent cans.
How to dispose of acetone FAQ
Can I pour acetone down the sink?
No. Take larger amounts to household hazardous waste.
Can I throw away cotton balls with acetone?
Yes, after letting them dry outdoors.
Is acetone hazardous waste?
Leftover and used acetone is generally accepted as household hazardous waste.
Can I reuse dirty acetone?
Often yes. Let solids settle, then pour off the clear acetone.
How do I dispose of nail polish remover?
Use it up or take it to household hazardous waste.
The bottom line
How to dispose of acetone: let tiny amounts on cotton evaporate outdoors before trashing, reuse settled acetone where practical, and take bottles and dirty acetone to household hazardous waste. Never pour it into drains. Use the map to find a household hazardous waste drop-off near you.
Guides and tools
Household hazardous waste guide · Dump cost calculator · All material guides