OSMIUM TETROXIDE DISPOSAL

Method 1:

1. Add osmium solution to an equal volume of vegetable oil in a sealed plastic bottle.
2. Store in a fume hood for at least 48 hours. During this time the osmium reacts and any unused osmium is precipitated.
3. Treat the mixture with detergent to disperse the oil.
4. Wash the entire vegetable oil/osmium solution down the drain with a large amount of water.

Method 2:

1. Thoroughly mix the osmium solution into a caustic solution of 5% Sodium Hydroxide in a sealed container under the fume hood. This reduces the Osmium Tetroxide to Osmium Dioxide which is harmless.
2. Wash the entire solution down the drain with a large amount of water.