Most alcohol-based hand sanitizing fluids are flammable. Waste hand sanitizers are typically considered hazardous waste when disposed and cannot be thrown in the trash. Hand sanitizer can be safely used past its expiration date. Postal sites can contact the manufacturer to confirm efficacy of the sanitizer after its expiration date.
Where possible, Postal Service™ sites must use up existing stock or sell larger amounts of excess or expired hand sanitizer products rather than dispose of them. USPS® sites must work with their local Asset Accountability Service Center (AASC) to sell it via auction on GovDeals. For more information, review the Standard Work Instruction: Expired Hand Sanitizer, at blue.usps.gov/supplymanagement/_pdf/am_aasc_home_ExpiredHandSanitizerSWI_ECRM.pdf.
If use or sale is not an option, USPS sites must recycle waste hand sanitizer using the national waste management contract with Safety Kleen. Recycling services are available in the “Safety Kleen Systems” catalog in eBuy+. Trained employees with hazardous waste management responsibilities must document the waste characterization, store the materials properly, arrange for disposal, and maintain records of all off-site shipments. For more information about waste management procedures, review the Hand Sanitizer Waste Management Environmental Compliance Bulletin/Standard Work Instruction, at blue.usps.gov/sustainability/environmental/_pdf/ecb-wastesanitizer.pdf.
— Environmental Affairs and Corporate Sustainability, Asset Performance and Accountability, and Occupational Safety and Health, 1-22-26
