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How to Dispose of Ammonia Download Article Safely throw away liquid ammonia & recycle the jug Co-authored by Gregory Cade, JD and Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA
Last Updated: July 16, 2025 Fact Checked
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Diluting Ammonia with Water
|
Neutralizing the Ammonia
|
Getting Rid of the Container
|
Q&A
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Tips
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Warnings
|Show more|Show less X
This article was co-authored by Gregory Cade, JD and by wikiHow staff writer, Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA. Gregory Cade is an Environmental and Occupational Law Attorney. With over 25 years of experience, he has extensive knowledge in injuries resulting from toxic substance exposure like pesticides. He is a member of numerous professional organizations, including The American Bar Association, The National Association of Environmental Professionals, and The American Association for Justice. Gregory graduated with a BS in Natural Science and Mathematics with an emphasis in Chemistry and Biology and an MPH in Occupational Health, Safety, and Industrial Hygiene from The University of Alabama at Birmingham. He also holds a JD from Miles School of Law. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 133,588 times.
Ammonia is a commonly used cleaning product. Although it’s a strong chemical, it's not considered a household hazardous waste. That means you can dispose of it in the sink, as long as you flush it with plenty of water. If you have a lot of ammonia or a septic system, you can neutralize the ammonia and throw it away. After you dispose of the ammonia, you’ll need to recycle or throw out the container.
How do you get rid of ammonia?
Pour ammonia in the toilet or down a drain while the water is flowing to dilute it. Continue running water for several seconds afterward to fully rinse the sink. Rinse out the jug and recycle. If ammonia is spilled, coat it with equal parts baking soda, cat litter, and dry sand and throw away the absorbent particles.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 3:
Diluting Ammonia with Water
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1 Turn on a water faucet. You need to mix the ammonia with plenty of water, as it's concentrated. Water dilutes the ammonia, making it safer. The best way to do this is to use running water.[1]XResearch source
You can also flush ammonia down your toilet. Simply pour it into the toilet water before flushing. Make sure you don't pour in more ammonia than there is water, however. If you have a lot of ammonia, use the sink or neutralize it.
2 Pour the ammonia into the stream of water. Slowly pour out the ammonia so that there is more water than ammonia going down the sink. This ensures that it’s thoroughly diluted as it goes down the sink.[2]XResearch source
Don’t inhale the ammonia as you pour it.
It’s best to open a window or turn on a vent while you pour the ammonia down the sink.
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3 Rinse your sink after disposing the ammonia. Splash water over the surface of the sink to remove any ammonia residue that may remain. Wipe the sides and bottom of the sink with a clean towel or cloth to make sure the ammonia is gone. This ensures you won’t accidentally pour another chemical over it.
Make sure your sink runs at least 1 additional minute.
If you have a spray nozzle, use it to rinse out the sink.
4 Use caution if you have a septic system. It’s not a good idea to dispose of ammonia down the sink if you have a septic system.[3]XResearch source Septic systems discharge wastewater back into the ground, so the ammonia can end up in the ground water. This is especially problematic if you use a well for your water.
Instead of pouring the ammonia down the sink, neutralize it and throw it away.
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 3:
Neutralizing the Ammonia
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1 Mix together equal parts baking soda, cat litter, and dry sand. These 3 ingredients will create an effective dry mixture that will soak up the ammonia. You can use the mixture to clean up ammonia you’ve spilled or you can mix it with excess ammonia you want to discard.[4]XResearch source
The dry mixture is great for when you need to dispose a lot of ammonia at once.
2 Sprinkle the dry mix over the ammonia. Continue to add dry mixture to the ammonia until you’ve applied enough dry mix to soak up all of the ammonia. You should not have any liquid remaining.[5]XResearch source
3 Collect the mixture into a disposable container. Use a plastic or wooden spoon to scoop the mixture into the container. If you fill up the container and still have more mixture to collect, it’s okay to dump it out in a trash bag. Then, collect the rest of the mixture.[6]XResearch source
Wear a mask while you clean up the mixture to avoid inhaling any fumes.
It’s a good idea to ventilate the area, if it’s indoors. If you have a fume hood, you should turn it on.
4 Dispose of the mixture in the trash. Since the ammonia is neutralized, it’s safe to put it in the trash can. You can throw out the entire container or simply dump out the mixture.[7]XResearch source
Don’t let the neutralized ammonia sit around your house, however. You need to dispose of it immediately.
Advertisement Method 3 Method 3 of 3:
Getting Rid of the Container
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1 Empty the container of excess ammonia. Don’t throw away a container that still has ammonia in it, even if it’s very little. Since ammonia is concentrated, it can be hazardous even in small amounts.[8]XResearch source
For example, the fumes from the ammonia can be harmful. Also, it could mix with other substances in the trash.
2 Rinse out the container. Use clean water to wash away any ammonia that remains in the bottle. The water will also dilute any droplets that linger in the container.[9]XResearch source
It’s safe to pour your rinse water down the sink.
3 Check the bottle to see if it’s recyclable. Most plastic cleaner bottles are recyclable. Simply check the bottom of the container to see if it has a symbol indicating you can recycle it.
If it is recyclable, you can put it in with your other recyclables. Alternatively, you can take it to your local recycling center.
4 Throw it in the trash if you can’t recycle it. Put it in with the rest of your trash. It’s best to throw it out in your outdoor trash can, if you can. That way you won’t have to worry about accidental fume emissions.
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Community Q&A
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Question What is the pH of ammonia and what is it in the household product one buys in the grocery store? Ahomes1 Community Answer One molecule of ammonia consists of one negatively-charged nitrogen ion and three positively-charged hydrogen ions, giving ammonia a chemical formula of NH3. The pH of standard ammonia is about 11. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 3 Helpful 6
Question Does vinegar break the molecular bonds of ammonia? GainKnowledge Community Answer Vinegar will neutralize ammonia while getting rid of the smell. Since vinegar is inexpensive, many people use the versatile liquid to clean their homes from top to bottom. To remove the ammonia odour, blot or spray the area with pure, undiluted white vinegar. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 4 Helpful 7
Question Can this guide be used for anhydrous ammonia gas? Daniel Community Answer No, the methods mentioned are not suitable for anhydrous ammonia gas. Anhydrous ammonia is a hazardous substance, and dealing with its odor or leaks requires specialized equipment and safety precautions. If you suspect a leak or exposure to anhydrous ammonia gas, leave the area immediately, seek fresh air, and contact emergency services or a hazardous materials response team for proper handling and ventilation. It's crucial to prioritize safety when dealing with hazardous chemicals like anhydrous ammonia. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
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Tips
Ammonia is water-soluble, so it can be poured down the drain. Just make sure you flush it with plenty of water. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement
Warnings
Do not simply put excess ammonia in the trash. You must either dilute it or neutralize it. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 1
Don’t combine ammonia with any other products, including other cleaners. Dispose of them one at a time, flushing them down the drain with plenty of water. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 2
Ammonia and bleach create a dangerous gas when mixed, so be very careful not to mix the two during disposal. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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Co-authored by: Gregory Cade, JD Environmental & Occupational Law Attorney This article was co-authored by Gregory Cade, JD and by wikiHow staff writer, Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA. Gregory Cade is an Environmental and Occupational Law Attorney. With over 25 years of experience, he has extensive knowledge in injuries resulting from toxic substance exposure like pesticides. He is a member of numerous professional organizations, including The American Bar Association, The National Association of Environmental Professionals, and The American Association for Justice. Gregory graduated with a BS in Natural Science and Mathematics with an emphasis in Chemistry and Biology and an MPH in Occupational Health, Safety, and Industrial Hygiene from The University of Alabama at Birmingham. He also holds a JD from Miles School of Law. This article has been viewed 133,588 times. 60 votes - 85% Co-authors: 3Updated: July 16, 2025 Views: 133,588 Categories: Chemistry SafetyArticle SummaryX
While ammonia is a strong chemical, it’s not considered a household hazardous waste and can be disposed of easily down your sink. You’ll want to dilute your ammonia to make it safer to dispose of, so turn on the water faucet and pour it into the stream of water so there’s more water than ammonia going down the drain at any given time. Once you’re done, rinse your sink out with clean water. You can also flush ammonia down your toilet as long as you don’t pour more ammonia in than there is water. If you need to throw the ammonia away, mix together equal parts baking soda, cat litter, and dry sand to soak up the ammonia. Then, add the dry mixture to the ammonia until there’s no liquid remaining. Pour the mixture into a disposable container and put it in the trash. To learn how to get rid of an ammonia container, keep reading!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Gregory Cade, JD Environmental & Occupational Law Attorney Co-authors: 3Updated: July 16, 2025 Views: 133,58885% of readers found this article helpful. 60 votes - 85% Click a star to add your vote
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Download Article Safely throw away liquid ammonia & recycle the jug Co-authored by Gregory Cade, JD and Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA 
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Co-authored by: Gregory Cade, JD Environmental & Occupational Law Attorney This article was co-authored by Gregory Cade, JD and by wikiHow staff writer, Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA. Gregory Cade is an Environmental and Occupational Law Attorney. With over 25 years of experience, he has extensive knowledge in injuries resulting from toxic substance exposure like pesticides. He is a member of numerous professional organizations, including The American Bar Association, The National Association of Environmental Professionals, and The American Association for Justice. Gregory graduated with a BS in Natural Science and Mathematics with an emphasis in Chemistry and Biology and an MPH in Occupational Health, Safety, and Industrial Hygiene from The University of Alabama at Birmingham. He also holds a JD from Miles School of Law. This article has been viewed 133,588 times. 60 votes - 85% Co-authors: 3 Updated: July 16, 2025 Views: 133,588 Categories: Chemistry Safety Article SummaryX
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1 Turn on a water faucet. You need to mix the ammonia with plenty of water, as it's concentrated. Water dilutes the ammonia, making it safer. The best way to do this is to use running water.[1] 
2 Pour the ammonia into the stream of water. Slowly pour out the ammonia so that there is more water than ammonia going down the sink. This ensures that it’s thoroughly diluted as it goes down the sink.[2] 
3 Rinse your sink after disposing the ammonia. Splash water over the surface of the sink to remove any ammonia residue that may remain. Wipe the sides and bottom of the sink with a clean towel or cloth to make sure the ammonia is gone. This ensures you won’t accidentally pour another chemical over it. 
4 Use caution if you have a septic system. It’s not a good idea to dispose of ammonia down the sink if you have a septic system.[3] Septic systems discharge wastewater back into the ground, so the ammonia can end up in the ground water. This is especially problematic if you use a well for your water. 
1 Mix together equal parts baking soda, cat litter, and dry sand. These 3 ingredients will create an effective dry mixture that will soak up the ammonia. You can use the mixture to clean up ammonia you’ve spilled or you can mix it with excess ammonia you want to discard.[4] 
2 Sprinkle the dry mix over the ammonia. Continue to add dry mixture to the ammonia until you’ve applied enough dry mix to soak up all of the ammonia. You should not have any liquid remaining.[5] 
3 Collect the mixture into a disposable container. Use a plastic or wooden spoon to scoop the mixture into the container. If you fill up the container and still have more mixture to collect, it’s okay to dump it out in a trash bag. Then, collect the rest of the mixture.[6] 
4 Dispose of the mixture in the trash. Since the ammonia is neutralized, it’s safe to put it in the trash can. You can throw out the entire container or simply dump out the mixture.[7] 
1 Empty the container of excess ammonia. Don’t throw away a container that still has ammonia in it, even if it’s very little. Since ammonia is concentrated, it can be hazardous even in small amounts.[8] 
2 Rinse out the container. Use clean water to wash away any ammonia that remains in the bottle. The water will also dilute any droplets that linger in the container.[9] 
3 Check the bottle to see if it’s recyclable. Most plastic cleaner bottles are recyclable. Simply check the bottom of the container to see if it has a symbol indicating you can recycle it. 
4 Throw it in the trash if you can’t recycle it. Put it in with the rest of your trash. It’s best to throw it out in your outdoor trash can, if you can. That way you won’t have to worry about accidental fume emissions. Advertisement 
Ahomes1 Community Answer One molecule of ammonia consists of one negatively-charged nitrogen ion and three positively-charged hydrogen ions, giving ammonia a chemical formula of NH3. The pH of standard ammonia is about 11. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 3 Helpful 6 
GainKnowledge Community Answer Vinegar will neutralize ammonia while getting rid of the smell. Since vinegar is inexpensive, many people use the versatile liquid to clean their homes from top to bottom. To remove the ammonia odour, blot or spray the area with pure, undiluted white vinegar. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 4 Helpful 7