Electrolytic Etching on Copper

Jewelry Discussion
1

I blogged on my first try at electrolytic copper etching, and have a
question for the chemists amongst us.

http://bethwicker.ganoksin.com/blogs/2008/11/04/

The magazine article I was following says the solution when you are
finished is a “high concentration of copper salts” and is hazardous
waste. I live in the country. Can I safely dilute it and put it down
my french drain? Or do I have to go to the dump with it? Given the
amount of iron in our soil I’m not sure that I see adding some
diluted copper as being a big issue, but thought I would check!

For those who are wondering, a french drain is a pipe that goes to a
drain field, where it drips out through crushed rock into the soil.
This is what I have in my studio for the floor drains. Just puts the
water back outside safely, instead of going into the septic tank,
since it is not organic waste.

Thanks in advance!

From rainy SC…

Beth Wicker
Three Cats and a Dog Design Studio

http://www.bethwicker.etsy.com
http://bethwicker.ganoksin.com/blogs/

2

Beth:

The magazine article I was following says the solution when you are
finished is a "high concentration of copper salts" and is hazardous
waste. I live in the country. Can I safely dilute it and put it
down my french drain?

I called our Hazardous Waste Control office and was told that copper
is not on their list of toxic materials and they simply suggested I
dump it outside. Or I could pour it on kitty litter, allow to dry,
and then package it up and dispose of it in the normal trash. So I
suggest if you are concerned or have an unusual amount of spent
liquid, that you call your hazardous waste office and see what their
suggestion is. Perhaps other offices have different practices.

K

3 
The magazine article I was following says the solution when you
are finished is a "high concentration of copper salts" and is
hazardous waste. I live in the country.

The concern, to my understanding, is chiefly to do with the copper
ions. It is my understanding that these can kill plants, but other
than that aren’t exceedingly toxic.

Paul Anderson

4

Thanks for the help from everyone - I appreciate it! Looks like I
can safely dispose of it here in the country.

Beth Wicker