Question about fragrance oils...

[LilBeachCottage]

I hope that it is okay to post this question here...
What is the proper way to dispose of old fragrance oils?
I don't want to dispose of them incorrectly and cause damage.
I've tried to find answers through searches and haven't found anything.
TIA

 

[steffamarie]

Maybe each FO would say on its MSDS? The supplier could provide you with that if you asked, or I think most suppliers that I buy from link them on the webpage.

 

[earlene]

I believe you need to contact your local (in California, that has stricter laws on this matter than some other states) waste management people and ask. When I lived in Santa Cruz county, I could contact my county's waste management folks and get guidelines of what could be disposed of and how.

Here is a link about Essential Oils disposal: https://www.aromaweb.com/articles/essentialoildisposal.asp

This link talks about Perfume disposal: https://u.osu.edu/2750perfume/disposal/

Directory for California hazardous waste by county links: https://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/HomeHazWaste/Directory/

More on EO disposal & MSDS information and how to get it: http://www.earthisland.org/journal/...y/the_environmental_impact_of_essential_oils/

Flow to determine if something is a hazardous waste (notice flash point criteria): https://www2.lbl.gov/ehs/waste/wm_pub_3092_ch1.shtml

Hope you find the answer. Are you sure you can't soap with some of them still? A people report that they have used FOs that were 10 years old or more and seemed to feel they were still good.

 

[cmzaha]

I take mine to the hazardous waste roundups in California

 

[Zany_in_CO]

I'd give them away for cost of shipping. In the early days, I picked up quite a few that way and don't remember ever being disappointed, although I did like some scents better than others.

As it happens, I'm currently trying to use up old/unwanted FOs by making them water-based to add to the rinse cycle of my washing machine. So far, I've just done bed linens.

Here's a recipe to make your own water-based FOs/EOs (Source Unknown):

1/2 oz. FO/EO of choice
1 oz. Emulsifying Agent
16 oz. Distilled Water

Add Fragrance Oil or Essential Oil to Emulsifying Agent and mix well. Then add Distilled water and blend well. You now have a water-based fragrance or essential oil. This is an approximate measure and you should conduct your own experiments, depending upon the strength you want your fragrance to be.

 

[LilBeachCottage]

Thank you all so much for the help! I appreciate it!

 

[Mobjack Bay]

Here's a recipe to make your own water-based FOs/EOs (Source Unknown):

1/2 oz. FO/EO of choice
1 oz. Emulsifying Agent
16 oz. Distilled Water

Add Fragrance Oil or Essential Oil to Emulsifying Agent and mix well. Then add Distilled water and blend well. You now have a water-based fragrance or essential oil. This is an approximate measure and you should conduct your own experiments, depending upon the strength you want your fragrance to be.

Zany, any particular emulsifying agent? Polysorbate 20? Can you use this approach to make a room spray?

I would also love to very slightly scent my laundry powder with an EO. I guess I could just add that to some CO soap, grate the soap and add it when I do the laundry.

 

[Zany_in_CO]

Zany, any particular emulsifying agent? Polysorbate 20?

Yes. Either 20 or 80 works.

Can you use this approach to make a room spray?

You can, but I use 20% alcohol as well to create a fine mist that keeps nasties at bay and dries quickly.

I would also love to very slightly scent my laundry powder with an EO.

For 3 cups of powder, first mix 1 tablespoon Polysorbate 20 with 20-35 mls Fragrance. Spread the powder out on a lined cookie sheet, dot with fragrance, mix with gloved hand then sift to get any clumps out. Air dry before returning to the container.

I guess I could just add that to some CO soap, grate the soap and add it when I do the laundry.

Nah, I wouldn't do that. A bit of a lazy daisy I am.

 

[Mobjack Bay]

@Zany_in_CO thanks for the details! More projects for my list!

 

[Zany_in_CO]

@Zany_in_CO thanks for the details! More projects for my list!

I'm nothing if not an enabler.

 

[Cellador]

This is really cool info, Zany. I have several old FOs that I was planning on giving away, but now maybe I'll try some quick, new recipes. Thanks!

 

[Zany_in_CO]

This is really cool info, Zany. I have several old FOs that I was planning on giving away, but now maybe I'll try some quick, new recipes. Thanks!

You're welcome!