Safe Handling

Disposal
Despite the very slow rate of biodegradation, cellulose ether products should not present any hazard in the waste/soil compartment. Their behavior is similar to wheat flour or sawdust. Although we studies using standard procedures showed no 5-day, 10-day, or 20-day BOD values, activated sludge studies with (14c) methylcellulose showed that methyl cellulose was 96% degraded or otherwise removed from solution in 20 days. Thus, cellulose ethers should present no ecological hazard to aquatic life.

Because cellulose ether products and their aqueous solutions present no significant ecological problems, they can be disposed of by industrial incineration or in an approved landfill, providing regulations are observed. Incineration should be done under carefully controlled conditions to avoid the possibility of a dust explosion. Customers are advised to review their local, state, provincial or national regulations governing the disposal of waste materials to determine appropriate means of disposal in their area.