The corroded lid would suggest that there was sulphuric acid left in your flash cotton. As would the yellow colouration of the dissolved metal and the yellow crystals.
So yes, the trash may not have been the best place. At the very least you'll probably want to neutralize any remaining acid. Your local waste management company probably also wouldn't be thrilled about explosive material in the trash. Hazardous substances and all.
this post was submitted on 20 Oct 2023
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Also. What really was crazy to me was how long it was ok until it wasn’t. I had seen it 2 months previous I know, and it was still fluffyish cotton. So, for 3 years it was fine then dissolved in just a short period of time. Maybe it ate through the lid and moisture from the air sped up the situation.
Yeah, it was kind of a knee jerk reaction. Admittedly, not one of my best moments. Disposing of it like that. Like, after that first experience I have seen some videos where more time was taken to wash and neutralize the acid than was put into the recipe I was following. So, that makes since.