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Imagine you're working with your team to do some cleaning in your facility, and you come across an old box of cake glue that you forgot existed. It's been sitting there for well over a year. You know this old stuff must be expired. Now you're wondering how to get rid of it.

Does this situation sound familiar?

In a perfect world, you would use every last pound of glue. Realistically, you may find yourself in a situation where you must dispose of old glue. While storage can extend the lifespan of adhesives, there comes a time when you may have to throw them away. Here is how you can dispose of glue the right way.

How to Store and Dispose of Protein Glue or Hide Glue 

Storage

Keep protein glue in a cool and dry area of your manufacturing facility. It’s always a good idea to keep the cartons sealed with the plastic wrap they arrive in securely around the glue cakes until ready to use. This keeps the glue from drying out and keeps it fresh. 

When you’re ready to use the protein glue, remove it from storage before use to give it time to become room temperature. This helps the protein glue melt quickly and efficiently into the glue pot without drastically changing the temperature of the glue already dissolved in the pot.

Disposal

Protein glue has an expiration date like most natural products. Protein glue has a shelf-life of about one year but can last longer if stored correctly. Because this is an all-natural product, it can be disposed of in the garbage or composted. We recommend recycling the cardboard packaging the protein arrives in to reduce waste.

To the best of our ability, this product does not meet the definition of hazardous waste under US EPA Hazardous Waste Regulations 40 CFR 261. Disposal via an approved facility is recommended. Consult state, local, or provincial authorities for more restrictive requirements in your area.

How to Store and Dispose of Liquid Glue (Dextrin/Starch/Resins) 

Storage

Water-based liquid glues should be protected from extreme temperatures and from freezing. The adhesive should not be spilled, discharged, or flushed into sewers or public waterways. Liquid glues contain low-level organic volatile compounds (VOC), which could accumulate in the unvented headspace of drums or bulk storage vessels. Keep the pails, drums, or totes sealed shut to prevent the glue from drying or mold build-up.

Disposal

To the best of our ability, this product does not meet the definition of hazardous waste under US EPA Hazardous Waste Regulations 40 CFR 261. Disposal via an approved facility or landfill in your area is recommended. Consult state, local, or provincial authorities for more restrictive requirements.

How to Store and Dispose of Hot Melt Glue

Storage 

Hot melt adhesive should be kept in a cool, dry place. Most holt metals have a shelf life of one year but can last a lot longer if stored correctly. 

Disposal 

To the best of our knowledge, this product does not meet the definition of hazardous waste under the U.S. EPA Hazardous Waste Regulations 40 CFR 261. Dispose of in an approved landfill. Consult your state, local or provincial authorities, and your local waste vendor for more restrictive requirements.

How to Get Rid of Adhesive Packaging

drum-and-tote (1)

As stated above, we recommend recycling the packaging if your glue comes in a cardboard container. If your glue arrives in a poly drum or tote from LD Davis, you can contact a local recycling or garbage plant to dispose of the containers yourself. All metal drums must be disposed of according to your local ordinance.

Additional Resources for Adhesives

Find more information about the shelf life and storage of adhesives here. If you have questions about SDS information or have an emergency, the Transport Emergency Phone Number (CHEMTREC) is 1-800-424-9300. For any additional questions, please get in touch with us, and we will guide you on how best to dispose of your old industrial adhesive.

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Topics: Adhesive Tips & Tricks, hot melt, liquid water-based glue, Glue Storage, gelatin based glue