Although xylene substitutes are generally safer, they should still be treated with the same level of caution as xylene. Waste disposal laws vary by region, but xylene substitutes should ALWAYS be disposed of in the same manner as xylene and not poured down the drain. These reagents are still hydrocarbons that are not good for the environment. They are also typically quite aromatic, so laboratories that use substitutes tend to need somewhat better ventilation to combat the smell.
