As we pass the three-year mark since you first heard the phrase “15 days to slow the spread,” the Environmental Protection Agency is reminding Americans that all that hand sanitizer you may have panic-bought in the early days of COVID is nearing the end of its shelf life.
The agency notes that many of the active ingredients in handi-sani become less effective after three years — but the EPA is also trying to educate people as to how to dispose of your old stockpile properly.
Of course, empty bottles can be tossed into the recycling, but what about full containers?
First off: Don’t just dump the stuff down the drain. At nearly 60% alcohol, sanitizer is highly flammable, and since when is glugging flammable material into your plumbing a good idea?
Instead, the EPA recommends finding a hazardous waste disposal event near you on this website and safely surrendering your stash when you pick up a fresh supply.