How to Safely Dispose of a Frozen Soda Can

  • Thread starter Thread starter Hydrangea
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AI Thread Summary
A user discovered a frozen can of Sierra Mist in their fridge and sought advice on how to safely dispose of it. The discussion emphasized that if the can hasn't burst, it can be safely melted by placing it in tap water, as the expansion of ice will revert to liquid without danger. Concerns about CO2 escaping during freezing were noted, but it was clarified that the gas would return to solution as the drink thaws. Participants expressed relief at avoiding a potential mess and shared light-hearted banter about the situation. Overall, the thread provided reassurance and practical tips for handling frozen soda cans.
Hydrangea
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I joined this group specifically because of this q. I came home and found a can of Sierra Mist at the back of my fridge, in a uniquely expanded orientation. It looks like a double ended bullet.
Of course, I realized what was happening, the thing froze, and I delicately placed it into my stainless steel sink, hoping it has done its worst.
Help! Is there something I need to do to dispose or dispel this safely??
 
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It's not dangerous. If you're really concerned, set it a fair distance away and shoot it.
 
Stick a fork in it.
 
If the can froze without bursting, just put it into some tap water until the contents have melted. Remember, water expands when it freezes, so the extra volume of the ice should vanish when the contents return to a liquid state.
 
Danger said:
It's not dangerous. If you're really concerned, set it a fair distance away and shoot it.

Sigh * of relief. Thank you!
 
AnTiFreeze3 said:
Stick a fork in it.

Because its done?
 
SteamKing said:
If the can froze without bursting, just put it into some tap water until the contents have melted. Remember, water expands when it freezes, so the extra volume of the ice should vanish when the contents return to a liquid state.
Thank you thank you, all. I put it in the sink, winced* and covered it with a cloth. Oy!
I read on a wiki answer that, "freezing causes the CO2 out of solution, and there is no room for the CO2 with the frozen water crystals," taking up space...or something like that. "The CO2 will go back into solution as it melts."
Wow. Weird to open the fridge up to.
Thank goodness I saw it! I was just loading up a few more cans because it was sooo hot today. Thanks all, near disaster (or mess, at least!) avoided.
 
This must be the most exciting thread on PF
 
HomogenousCow said:
This must be the most exciting thread on PF
Could be. Lol. I am just grateful anyone answered! Anyways, I'm no physics genius, so I figured Id throw it out there to the smart peeps.
Besides, it's more fun than some calculus problem. (Maybe).
 
  • #10
Hydrangea said:
Besides, it's more fun than some calculus problem.

Only if you follow the advice in#2
 

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