Yard Waste 2024

Leaf and yard waste pickup ends.

Dry Ice

Dry Ice Credit: my-waste Team . Image: my-waste Team .

Dry Ice

Dry ice comes in flake, pellet, or block form. It is commonly used for transporting temperature-sensitive items, making fog effects, or doing scientific experiments. 

To dispose of dry ice, it is best to let it return to its gaseous form in an open space with good ventilation. Do NOT dispose of dry ice in areas for the general public, down the sink or toilet, or in the garbage. NEVER leave dry ice a confined space, as it may cause an explosion or carbon dioxide poisoning.

To dispose of dry ice: 

1. Place dry ice in an open, well-ventilated area to sublimate. When left at any temperature under −109 °F (−78 °C), dry ice will transform from a solid to a gas. Place the dry ice in a well-ventilated space so that the carbon dioxide gas will disperse without causing harm to anyone. Keep the dry ice on a piece of styrofoam or hard plastic so that it won't harm your floor. 

For instance, leave dry ice in a large room with open windows or on a secure balcony.If possible, choose an area that you do not spend a lot of time in to avoid exposure to carbon dioxide gas.Never place dry ice directly on a tiled or solid surface countertop as the extreme cold will damage it

2. Let the dry ice sit for at least 1 day until it is completely sublimated. Depending on the volume of dry ice you have, it may take several days for it to completely revert to a gaseous form. Let the dry ice sit out in a well-ventilated area for 1 full day, then check on it to see if it has sublimated yet. Avoid spending too much time in this area to minimize your exposure to the carbon dioxide gas being released. 

As a general rule, it takes about 24 hours for 10 pounds (160 oz) of dry ice to fully sublimate.Blocks of dry ice will take longer to sublimate than pellets or flake